Charles Smith Velvet Devil Red Blend 375ML Can is a Merlot-based red blend from Columbia Valley, Washington, packaged in a portable 375ML can at approximately 13.5% ABV. The 2020 vintage earned 93 points from Tastings.com, reinforcing Charles Smith Wines' track record of over 300 scores of 90 or above from major publications including Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast.Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5% | Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State | Red Blend (Merlot-dominant) | Producer: Charles Smith WinesProduction & HeritageCharles Smith Wines operates out of Prosser, Washington, drawing fruit from numerous American Viticultural Areas across the vast Columbia Valley. The Velvet Devil blend is composed of 89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Malbec, whole-berry fermented using native yeast — a technique that preserves bright primary fruit character while building textural depth. The wine sees 10 months in French oak (30% new), lending structure without overwhelming the fruit. Part of Charles Smith's Modernist Project, the Velvet Devil line prioritizes immediate drinkability and varietal expression, and the 375ML can format extends that philosophy to settings where glass bottles are impractical.Tasting NotesAroma: Dark cherry and ripe plum lead, followed by subtle floral overtones and a whisper of toasty oak. As the wine opens, hints of cedar and tobacco emerge beneath the fruit.Taste: The entry is plush with black cherry and red plum, giving way to a mid-palate layered with bittersweet cocoa and cassis. Cabernet Sauvignon adds backbone, while the small portion of Malbec contributes a soft, round quality. Blue-fruit flavors surface toward the finish, keeping the profile fresh and direct.Finish: Medium in length with a velvety texture true to its name, trailing off with smoky cedar and lingering dark fruit. The tannins are fine-grained and approachable, requiring no additional aging.How to Drink Velvet DevilPour into a glass if conditions allow — even from the can, this blend benefits from a little air to open up its aromatics. Slightly below room temperature (60–65°F) is ideal. For cocktails, the Merlot-driven profile works well in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where its dark fruit and cocoa notes complement the cola's sweetness. A Red Wine Spritzer with a splash of sparkling water and citrus keeps things light for warm-weather drinking. It also holds up in a New York Sour, where the wine float showcases its plummy depth against bourbon and lemon.Best For Outdoor gatherings where glass bottles are restricted — poolside, beach, golf course, or camping Weeknight dinners that call for a serious red without committing to a full 750ML bottle Packing a picnic or tailgate cooler with quality wine in a durable, portable format Introducing someone to Washington State Merlot in a low-commitment, approachable serving size Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Velvet Devil taste like? Velvet Devil delivers a plush, fruit-forward profile dominated by black cherry, red plum, and cassis, layered with bittersweet cocoa, cedar, and a touch of smoke. The tannins are soft and velvety, making it immediately drinkable.How does Velvet Devil compare to Underwood Red Blend in a can? Both are canned red blends from the Pacific Northwest, but Velvet Devil leans into a richer, oak-influenced Merlot character from Columbia Valley, while Underwood by Union Wine Co. tends toward a lighter, more fruit-driven style from Oregon. Velvet Devil's 10 months of French oak aging gives it noticeably more structure and complexity.Is Velvet Devil good for casual sipping? Absolutely — the canned format and soft tannin structure make it ideal for relaxed, everyday drinking without any decanting or fuss. It drinks well slightly chilled or at cool room temperature.Where is Velvet Devil made? Velvet Devil is produced by Charles Smith Wines in Prosser, Washington, using grapes sourced from vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA, one of Washington State's largest and most diverse wine regions.What foods pair well with Velvet Devil? Grilled burgers or braised short ribs match the wine's dark fruit and smoky oak. Margherita pizza works with its balanced acidity, while roasted mushrooms echo the earthy undertones. Semi-firm cheeses like aged Gouda complement the cocoa and cedar notes, and dark chocolate desserts mirror the bittersweet mid-palate.What sizes does Velvet Devil come in? Velvet Devil is available in a standard 750ML bottle and the 375ML can format, making it one of the more versatile options in Charles Smith's lineup for different serving occasions.Is Velvet Devil worth the price? Velvet Devil positions as an accessible, everyday-tier wine that punches above its weight — the 93-point Tastings.com score on the 2020 vintage suggests quality that outperforms many wines at a similar price point, especially in the canned wine category where serious winemaking is still relatively uncommon.Why Velvet Devil?What separates Velvet Devil from most canned wines is the production behind it: whole-berry native yeast fermentation and 10 months in French oak are techniques more commonly associated with ambitious bottled wines, not portable formats. Charles Smith Wines has built a reputation on over-delivering at every price level, backed by 66 individual scores of 95 points or higher from top-tier publications. The Merlot-dominant blend draws from one of the world's most compelling regions for the grape — Columbia Valley — where warm days and cool nights produce fruit with both ripeness and structural integrity. In a canned wine market crowded with simple, forgettable options, Velvet Devil stands out as one with genuine winemaking substance.
