25 September 2023 , 07:32
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Calvin Broadus Jr, who is better known as Snoop Dogg, has been surprising me more and more in recent years with his new work projects. Growing up I knew him as the man behind Drop It Like It's Hot and Sensual Seduction, but he's come out with a cooking show with Martha Stewart, a children's show and album that encourages children to use manners and believe in themselves, plus a wine that features his face across the front.
Having listened to the Affirmation Song and actively encouraging people in my life to listen to it, it's a great pick me up, I decided to give Snoop's Cali Red wine a chance. Having studied wine at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust I get nervous trying celebrity endorsed wines as sometimes the quality goes out the window due to the famous face linked to the bottle.
I got my hands on Cali Red and the bottle immediately reminded me of 19 Crimes due to the style, although featuring Snoop Dogg prominently across the bottle. While it doesn't list the brand on the bottle, Cali Red does appear on the popular brand's American website.
Cali comes in a corked bottle which is often the case with wines that are of a good quality and with an ABV of 14.1% it's quite a strong wine. As the name indicates, it's a wine born of California grapes.
Typically wines produced in California, and other warmer climates, are quite full bodied. Any red wine with more than 13.5% alcohol is considered a full-bodied wine, but this one doesn't feel too heavy or drying in the mouth.
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The cork features Snoop's faceOn opening the bottle there's another fun surprise, Snoop's face features on the cork. It's a small detail but it made me laugh and added to the novelty of the bottle. With all of these extra considerations to the bottle I didn't have high hopes for the wine, but I was really pleasantly surprised.
It's a ruby shade but not overly opaque which is something I'm personally quite fond of in a red, while it certainly holds its colour it doesn't leave a drying feeling on your cheeks which is common in a high tannin red wine. It also has a refreshing acidity, making the mouth water which I think is ideal when drinking alongside food (or drinking in general).
There are undeniable notes of red and blue fruits which give it almost a sweet touch. Oak chips have been used which gives a vanilla note that I'm quite fond of. It's got a lot of flavour without being overpowering and I think it's perfect for those who are trying to find their feet with red wines.
It's not a fully opaque wine (Jada Jones)