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Big Head Wines Big Red #11 Wine Review

Big Head Wines Big Red #11

Big Head Wines Big Red #11

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

Community Score:92/100

Community Reviews: 2

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Price: $25.00

Drink: 2025-2028

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Big Head Wines

Natalie's Score: 92/100

A bold, character-driven red blend that bursts with aromas of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of tobacco, mocha, and warm spice. It’s full-bodied, dry, and powerful on the palate, with firm yet polished tannins, lively acidity, and 14% alcohol lending structure and length. Serve it at room temperature to let its dark fruit and savoury depth unfold fully. Fascinating fact: Winemaker Andrzej Lipinski, known for his innovative use of appassimento (partial grape drying), crafts Big Red #11 using this traditional Italian method to intensify flavour and texture—a technique that’s earned Big Head a cult following among Canadian wine lovers. This wine will age beautifully for 6–8 years, gaining layers of richness and complexity. You can order this wine directly from the winery at www.www.bigheadwines.ca.

Big Red #11 food pairings: grilled ribeye steak, where its smoky spice and dark fruit complement the char and fat perfectly. Or enjoy it with a hearty mushroom and lentil stew, where its bold flavours match the earthy depth of the dish.

This Big Head Wines Big Red #11 was reviewed on October 11, 2025 by Natalie MacLean

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Reviews and Ratings

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Lovely blend of several different wines made both from fresh grapes and appassimento style to come together with great result. The blend includes: 20% 2021 Malbec (appassimento), 8% Cabernet Franc and Merlot (appassimento and fresh), 15% 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon (Appassimento), 31% Cabernet Franc (fresh), 13% 2024 Merlot (fresh), 8% 2024 Malbec (Appassimento) and 5% 2024 Dornfelder (appassimento). Aromas of black cherry, licorice, tobacco, sweet smoke, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla. Medium-full bodied with drying tannins, and vibrant fruit flavours on the palate, balanced with more smoke and licorice hints. Enjoy with slow braised meats or mushroom dishes.

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Recipes for Big Head Wines Big Red #11

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