As the warm weather turns cold, I turn my attention to bigger fruity red wines. For some reasons, big red wines brings comfort. Maybe it’s because big red wines go so well with stews and heavy meat dishes, winter staples. I think of it as the macaroni and cheese of the wine world. For some reason, when I drink it, it increases my happiness level, or maybe that’s just the alcohol kicking in.
Believe it or not, it’s turned cold in San Francisco! And, what did we do, we turned to a big, bold, juicy, fruity red wine to bring you for Wine Wednesday. This week’s wine is the 14 Hands 2009 Hot to Trot from Washington State. It’s a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah – a combination of grapes that can certainly get you a comfort style wine. 14 Hands is a horse term (thanks to my friend Michelle, I know that) and it appears that horses grace every bottle of wine produced by 14 Hands. This winery pays homage to Horse Heaven Hills where the winery is based and the wild horses that gave this area it’s name.
As you know, Wine Wednesday highlights wines that retail for or are purchased at $10 or under. While we haven’t highlighted many wines from Washington State to date, this area offers some of the most price competitive wines coming out of the United States. And, these wines are good. If you like your basic California Cabernet Sauvignon or red blend wines using Bordeaux blend grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Malbec), you will more than likely like the wines coming out of Washington State. The grape growing area in Washington State is east of the Cascades and is much warmer than you would think (and warm enough to grow Bordeaux style grapes). Keep your eyes out for the wines from Washington State and give them a try.
The 14 Hands Hot to Trot is clear with a deep purple color with a ruby rim. On the nose, the wine is clean with a medium, youthful intensity of blackberry, dark currants, black plum, violet, earth, coffee and mocha. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium plus body, medium plus to high alcohol and a medium plus flavor intensity of blackberry, black plum, cassis, violet, coffee and mocha. Medium finish. This is a good wine. Very fruit forward with an alcohol kick.
We purchased this wine for $8.99.
