The McBride Sisters Collection has brought a fresh and unique perspective to the wine industry with their Black Girl Magic line. This collection is not just about wine; it’s about celebrating culture, heritage, and the powerful stories of Black women. Among the standout wines in their portfolio is the Black Girl Magic Trio, which includes the Rosé, Riesling, and Red Blend. Each bottle in this trio is a reflection of not just expert craftsmanship but also the vibrant spirit of the McBride Sisters. In this review, we’ll dive into each wine, examining its complexity, character, and overall drinking experience.

Black Girl Magic Rosé: A Summer Day in a Glass

The first wine in the trio is the Black Girl Magic Rosé, a bright and refreshing wine that instantly transports you to a sunny afternoon. Its pale pink hue is visually inviting, hinting at the delicate yet vibrant flavors that lie within. Upon the first swirl, you’re greeted with a bouquet of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and rose petals, a perfume that beckons the senses and sets the stage for a dynamic tasting experience.

On the palate, the wine delivers a burst of red fruit, predominantly strawberries and cherries, with a soft undercurrent of citrus zest. What sets this rosé apart from many in its category is its ability to balance acidity with fruit-forwardness. It’s crisp without being sharp, and the light effervescence adds a playful element to its texture. This wine feels alive—each sip awakens the palate with its freshness and subtle complexity.

The finish is clean, leaving behind lingering notes of watermelon rind and a hint of mineral salinity. The acidity is well-structured, making it a perfect companion for light, summery dishes. Think goat cheese salads, grilled shrimp, or even a simple charcuterie board with brie and prosciutto. It’s versatile and approachable, ideal for both casual sipping and food pairings.

For those who are looking for a rosé that strikes the right balance between elegance and vibrancy, the Black Girl Magic Rosé is a delightful choice. It’s a wine that doesn’t try too hard but excels in delivering exactly what you’d want on a warm afternoon or at an outdoor gathering.

Black Girl Magic Riesling: A Symphony of Sweetness and Acidity

Next up is the Black Girl Magic Riesling, a semi-sweet white wine that offers the perfect interplay between sweetness and acidity. Riesling can sometimes be a polarizing varietal; too much sweetness can overwhelm, and too much acidity can come across as harsh. However, the McBride Sisters have crafted a Riesling that beautifully walks the tightrope between the two, creating a wine that is as enjoyable as it is sophisticated.

The nose is fragrant and inviting, filled with aromas of apricot, green apple, and a touch of honey. There’s a floral quality as well, with notes of jasmine and orange blossom, giving the wine an aromatic complexity that hints at its layers of flavor.

On the palate, the wine is luscious yet balanced. The sweetness is evident but not cloying, offering flavors of ripe peaches, nectarine, and a dash of honeycomb. This is quickly followed by a refreshing jolt of citrus—lemon and lime zest—which cuts through the sweetness and adds brightness to the wine’s profile. The acidity is the backbone here, ensuring that the wine never veers into overly sweet territory. Instead, it offers a clean, mouth-watering finish that keeps you coming back for more.

This Riesling is versatile in terms of food pairings. It would pair exceptionally well with spicy cuisine, as its sweetness could counterbalance the heat of dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan chicken. For something simpler, a cheese plate with blue cheese or aged gouda would also be a fantastic match, as the wine’s sweetness and acidity work in harmony to enhance the flavors of the cheese.

Overall, the Black Girl Magic Riesling is an exquisite example of how a well-made Riesling can offer depth and enjoyment across a variety of drinking occasions. Whether you’re a Riesling aficionado or someone new to the varietal, this wine is sure to impress.

Black Girl Magic Red Blend: A Bold Expression of Richness and Spice

The final wine in the trio, the Black Girl Magic Red Blend, is a full-bodied and robust wine that commands attention from the first pour. Its deep, rich garnet color gives you a clue to the intensity of flavors that await. On the nose, it is bold and aromatic, with an enticing mix of dark fruits—blackberry, plum, and black cherry—layered with hints of vanilla, leather, and a whisper of tobacco.

This is a wine for those who love complexity. The Red Blend is not shy; it makes a statement with its richness and weight. On the palate, you’re immediately struck by the wine’s depth of flavor. Blackberries and ripe cherries dominate the front, followed by layers of spice—cinnamon, clove, and a touch of black pepper. There’s an oakiness present, but it’s not overpowering; rather, it complements the fruit and adds a sense of warmth and structure.

Tannins are firm but velvety, giving the wine a satisfying mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. There’s a touch of earthiness and cocoa on the back end, adding complexity and depth. The wine’s acidity is moderate, balancing the weight of the fruit and ensuring that it doesn’t feel overly heavy or jammy.

This Red Blend is a fantastic pairing with hearty dishes. Think grilled meats, a rich beef stew, or even a pepper-crusted steak. It would also hold up well to robust cheeses like sharp cheddar or aged gouda. For those who enjoy a bold wine that delivers layers of flavor with each sip, the Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a standout.

Final Thoughts: A Trio That Tells a Story

The Black Girl Magic Trio is more than just a collection of wines; it’s a celebration of culture, diversity, and craftsmanship. Each wine in the trio brings something unique to the table. The Rosé is vibrant and refreshing, perfect for casual sipping or light meals. The Riesling offers a masterclass in balance, with its interplay of sweetness and acidity making it a versatile white wine for various occasions. Finally, the Red Blend is a bold and complex wine, ideal for those who love a rich, flavorful red that pairs well with hearty dishes.

Together, these wines form a well-rounded trio that showcases the McBride Sisters’ dedication to quality and their ability to tell a story through their wines. Whether you’re enjoying these wines for their flavors or the story behind them, the Black Girl Magic Trio is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Trimbach Riesling 2021 exemplifies the epitome of Alsace winemaking tradition, offering an exquisite balance of purity and intensity that is hallmark to the region’s wines. This Riesling captures the essence of its terroir with remarkable clarity and precision, presenting a sensory experience that is as delightful as it is profound.

Upon visual inspection, this wine dazzles with a pale, shimmering yellow hue, suggesting the vibrant, lively character for which Alsace Rieslings are renowned. The bouquet is immediately captivating, a complex symphony of crisp green apple, freshly cut lemon, and a subtle floral note of jasmine that beckons the senses closer. These aromas blend harmoniously, setting the stage for a refreshing first sip.

As it touches the palate, the Trimbach Riesling 2021 unfolds with an energetic burst of acidity that is both crisp and invigorating. This is beautifully balanced by a spectrum of pure fruit flavors, with dominant citrus notes leading the way, followed by a soft whisper of ripe peach that adds depth and richness. The palate is continuously refreshed by a pronounced mineral streak, a nod to the stony, calcareous soils of Alsace, which imparts a structured backbone and contributes to the wine’s impressive longevity.

The finish on this Riesling is enduring and dry, with a finesse that leaves a lasting impression of sophistication and zest. Each sip invites another, making this wine a delightful choice for a variety of drinking occasions. It pairs exquisitely with a broad range of cuisines, from delicate seafood dishes to light garden salads, and can even stand up to the complex flavors of spicy Asian cuisine, enhancing the meal without dominating the flavors.

In summary, the Trimbach Riesling 2021 is a masterful expression of Alsace Riesling, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the Trimbach family. It is a wine that not only mirrors the unique characteristics of its regional terroir but also offers a crisp, engaging taste that is both luxurious and accessible. For aficionados and novices alike, this Riesling stands out as a must-try, perfect for those who appreciate a white wine that marries complexity with sheer drinkability.

The Black Sheep Finds Holus Bolus Presqu’ile Vineyard Syrah 2021 is an exceptional wine that showcases the unique qualities of its Santa Maria Valley origins. From the moment it is poured, this Syrah captivates with its deep, dark color and an alluring aroma that promises a rich tasting experience. The bouquet is complex, featuring layers of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, elegantly intertwined with spicy pepper notes and a subtle earthiness that hints at the vineyard’s coastal influence.

Upon tasting, the Holus Bolus Syrah reveals its true character. The palate is rich and velvety, offering a harmonious blend of dark cherry and smoky spices, underscored by a delicate touch of vanilla from careful oak aging. This integration of flavors creates a sophisticated profile that is both bold and balanced. The acidity is well-measured, adding a freshness that enlivens the wine, while the velvety tannins provide a smooth structure that leads to a satisfying, long finish.

This wine is not only a pleasure to drink but also an excellent companion to food. It pairs exceptionally well with robust dishes, such as grilled red meats or a rich cheese platter, where its vibrant fruit flavors and spicy undertones can truly shine. Its versatility and balance make it a great choice for both casual settings and more formal dining occasions.

The 2021 Holus Bolus Presqu’ile Vineyard Syrah stands out as a testament to the craftsmanship at Black Sheep Finds. It manages to capture the essence of its terroir, delivering a wine that is approachable yet complex enough to hold the interest of serious connoisseurs. With potential to age beautifully, it is a fine addition to any cellar, promising to evolve and reveal new layers of complexity over time. For anyone seeking a standout Syrah that combines fruit purity, elegance, and depth, this wine is a superb choice.