Two Firsts - Washington State Red Blend

Name: 14 Hands 'Hot to Trot' Red Blend
 
Variety: Red Blend (Merlot & Syrah +others)
 
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
 
Country: United States
 
Year: 2013
 
Price: $12.49

Critic Review: This approachable and easy drinking red wine offers generous aromas of berries, cherries and currants. A plush framework of soft tannins supports the red and dark fruit flavors that leisurely give way to subtle notes of baking spice and mocha on the finish. ~http://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/red-blend/14-hands-hot-to-trot-red/p/112430750

From the winemaker: This polished red wine offers aromas of cherry, red currant and tea. Flavors of cherries, ripe berries and plums, supported by a frame of refined tannins, give way to subtle notes of baking spice on a persistent finish. ~https://www.14hands.com/files/FileResource/19129/FTH_FS_2013_HTT_Red_Blend.pdf

My review: After a Riesling earlier in the week and a Zinfandel yesterday I was seeking something in-between, from a place I haven't experienced before. This red blend from Washington state is not only my first Washington wine, it is also my first blend, and it didn't disappoint. I got an outdoorsy, orchard-like aroma that I thought might be apple or something similarly tart. The taste was more sweet and plum-like than apple and compared to yesterday's fairly heavy Zinfandel, this is a much lighter blend. A little more acidic perhaps, but with lower tannin levels that combine to balance with the sweet fruit flavors.

It was good on its own and also paired well with my mushroom pizza. It actually improved a bit with some air and a bit of cheese later after supper.