C. Mondavi & Family Purple Heart Napa Valley Red Wine 2013
Aromas of milk chocolate, black currants, black cherries, and mulberries turn to a velvet-textured palate with the sweet fruit of the nose that’s joined by plum, a hint of spice, more chocolate, and vanilla. Lovely on its own and even better alongside some good summertime barbecue. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. SRP is a steal at $19.99.
And not only is this an easy-to-love red in the juice department, but it’s also helping a fantastic cause: Purple Heart is made by a Vietnam veteran and respected winemaker, Ray Coursen, in concert with the C. Mondavi Family (patriarch Peter Mondavi Sr. fought in World War Two). Both Coursen and the Mondavis understand the difficulties that our vets often face when they return home, and in order to do their part, they will be making a substantial donation to the Purple Heart Foundation based on how well the wine does on the market. This 2013 was the inaugural vintage, and it kicked things off with a $10,000 donation to the Foundation. Later in August, the 2014 will be released, having been produced in twice the quantity as the first one—which, hopefully, will mean an even more generous donation: They have said they'll donate up to $50,000 a year.
A lovely bottle of wine and a great cause being helped? I’ll raise a glass to that. As should we all.