Cali Smooth Sonoma, California Red: Long-Awaited Sip of Silky Smoke—Thanks, Diana
Some weeknights just call for a cozy couch, a good playlist, and a bottle you’ve been eyeing for ages. This was one of those nights. I’ve been wanting to try 19 Crimes’ Cali Smooth forever, and Diana—angel that she is—surprised me with a bottle. We lit a candle, queued up a chill mix, and finally popped it open.
Wine basics
- Name: Cali Smooth - Producer: 19 Crimes
- Region: Sonoma, California
- Type: Red wine (red blend)
- Vintage: Not listed on our bottle
- Varietal: Proprietary blend (unspecified)
- Price: Widely available; often in the budget-friendly, low-teens range depending on your shop
The tasting journey
- In the glass: Deep ruby with a glossy edge—one of those “this is going to be plush” colors.
- On the nose: A swirl brings ripe dark fruit first—think blackberry compote and black cherry—then a gentle whiff of toasted oak, like the last crackle from a campfire. There’s a little vanilla warmth tucked in, too.
- On the palate: True to its name, this is smooth and easygoing. Dark fruit leads the way (plum, blackberry) with a rounded, soft mid-palate. The oak shows up as a toasty accent rather than a shout—just enough to frame the fruit without stealing the spotlight.
- Finish: Medium and mellow, with a friendly glide of cocoa-dusted berries and that hint of toast. Tannins are relaxed, acidity is moderate, making it a very sippable red for a movie night or a casual dinner.
Weaving in the notes
If you enjoy dark-fruited reds that feel plush rather than punchy, Cali Smokth hits the mark. The smooth texture keeps it approachable, while the hint of toasted oak adds just enough sophistication to keep seasoned sippers interested. It’s the kind of bottle that disappears quietly while the conversation gets loud.
A quick sip of context: Sonoma and oak, in brief
Sonoma, California is a bit of a chameleon—its patchwork of valleys, coastal influence, and sunshine means winemakers can craft everything from zippy whites to generous, fruit-forward reds. A red blend from Sonoma often leans into ripe fruit and soft textures. Toasted oak, meanwhile, is like seasoning: light toasting can add notes of vanilla and fresh wood; medium toasting brings toast, caramel, and baking-spice vibes. Here, the oak feels more like a frame than a painting—supportive, subtle, and smoothing around the edges.
Scores and would we buy again?
- Jeremy’s Glasses Score: 3
- Diana’s Glasses Score: 3
- How Many Glasses Score: 3
- Would we buy it again? Yes
Final sip
Cali Smokth is a cuddly, uncomplicated companion—dark fruit, smooth sailing, and a little toasty wink. If you’ve been curious about it too, consider this your nudge. And if you’ve already tried it, tell me: what did you pair it with? I’m thinking pizza night is up next.
3 Glasses
Wine basics
- Name: Cali Smooth - Producer: 19 Crimes
- Region: Sonoma, California
- Type: Red wine (red blend)
- Vintage: Not listed on our bottle
- Varietal: Proprietary blend (unspecified)
- Price: Widely available; often in the budget-friendly, low-teens range depending on your shop
The tasting journey
- In the glass: Deep ruby with a glossy edge—one of those “this is going to be plush” colors.
- On the nose: A swirl brings ripe dark fruit first—think blackberry compote and black cherry—then a gentle whiff of toasted oak, like the last crackle from a campfire. There’s a little vanilla warmth tucked in, too.
- On the palate: True to its name, this is smooth and easygoing. Dark fruit leads the way (plum, blackberry) with a rounded, soft mid-palate. The oak shows up as a toasty accent rather than a shout—just enough to frame the fruit without stealing the spotlight.
- Finish: Medium and mellow, with a friendly glide of cocoa-dusted berries and that hint of toast. Tannins are relaxed, acidity is moderate, making it a very sippable red for a movie night or a casual dinner.
Weaving in the notes
If you enjoy dark-fruited reds that feel plush rather than punchy, Cali Smokth hits the mark. The smooth texture keeps it approachable, while the hint of toasted oak adds just enough sophistication to keep seasoned sippers interested. It’s the kind of bottle that disappears quietly while the conversation gets loud.
A quick sip of context: Sonoma and oak, in brief
Sonoma, California is a bit of a chameleon—its patchwork of valleys, coastal influence, and sunshine means winemakers can craft everything from zippy whites to generous, fruit-forward reds. A red blend from Sonoma often leans into ripe fruit and soft textures. Toasted oak, meanwhile, is like seasoning: light toasting can add notes of vanilla and fresh wood; medium toasting brings toast, caramel, and baking-spice vibes. Here, the oak feels more like a frame than a painting—supportive, subtle, and smoothing around the edges.
Scores and would we buy again?
- Jeremy’s Glasses Score: 3
- Diana’s Glasses Score: 3
- How Many Glasses Score: 3
- Would we buy it again? Yes
Final sip
Cali Smokth is a cuddly, uncomplicated companion—dark fruit, smooth sailing, and a little toasty wink. If you’ve been curious about it too, consider this your nudge. And if you’ve already tried it, tell me: what did you pair it with? I’m thinking pizza night is up next.3 Glasses
- Jeremy gives it 3 Glasses
- Diana gives it 3 Glasses
- Wine Name: Cali Smooth
- Year:
- Winery/Producer: 19 Crimes
- Region/Country: Sonoma California
- Type: Red wine
