14 HANDS RED BLEND 2011 COLUMBIA VALLEY
WASHINGTON STATE $10.99
I have already in the past reviewed 14 Hands Red Blend in this column. However, it has been out of stock for a while and this is a different vintage, and, I feel, it deserves a re-introduction. In general, red blends are made to be immediately drinkable. Just open and imbibe. I am partial to the red wines of Columbia Valley, as you can tell from previous reviews. Columbia Valley seems to bring out unique tastes that are unattainable elsewhere. Its Merlots are rivaled, in my opinion, only by Bordeaux, France and Tuscany, Italy . This vintage is a blend of Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz, it's the same grape), and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is soft, mellow, and smooth, with aromas and flavors of berries, plums, cherries, currants, and a hint of mocha. At $10.99, it is an outstanding value.