From the Columbia River Basin in Washington State (USA) comes 14 Hands Winery's Hot To Trot Red Blend.
14 Hands' label offers a glimpse into their wine: a brightly colored, acrylic design by award-wining artist Cynthia Sampson of the Valley's historic wild horses. This blend is full of big fruit flavors dominated by cherry and plum. And I mean dominated: the ripe, dark fruit bursts in your mouth in a way I have not often experienced.
Velvety smooth. While tannins are sometimes somewhat bitter, they are cloaked in soft fruit in this offering. Sweet, and yet creating a dryness in the palate. It's a quite interesting combination. I am not a big fan of sweeter wines, but this one does offer that satisfying clean finish I look for.
The color is a dark blackberry which hits the nose with all that moody berry flavor. It looks heavy in the glass; rich and promising. The blend is predominantly Syrah (75%) with Mourvedre, Grenache, and a few other varietals.
I enjoyed this blend with a simple steak, yellow potatoes, and a large side of California Mix vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.) The wine stood up to the beef and accentuated the potatoes and vegetables without overpowering them.
Purchased on sale, 14 Hands Hot To Trot was value priced at $9. And folks, life is a good $10 bottle of wine...
Cheers!
More information about 14 Hands: https://www.14hands.com
Free wine app here: https://www.vivino.com
Nice review. I’ve never had wine from the USA. Curious to give one a shot. Have you ever tried a big Barossa Valley (Australia) Shiraz?
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Thanks! I am enjoying this new line of posts and the wines, themselves.
No, I haven't had other wines from Australia and New Zealand but nothing from Barossa Valley. I'll have to add it to my wish list.
California and Washington have a lot of great wines; chardonnays, in particular. I'm not really a connoisseur, but I'm learning and having fun in the process. Cheers!
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I can not recommend Shiraz from the Barossa enough. I mostly write about beer these days but wine has always been a big passion for me. Definitely find a reasonably priced Barossa Shiraz. If you can find Kalleske or First Drop wines in the US then snap some up. Both wine makers are excellent at what they do and I’ve visited both wineries personally.
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I'm a beer lover, too... And cigars... lol
I'll look for these. Thanks for the recommendations!
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Welcome :)
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Oh my gosh! Do more wine reviews!
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:D I am, I have, and I will! Just posted my latest; a fantastic value red from Portugal. Thanks!!
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Cheers!
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And to you! Followed. Looking forward to more reviews from you. Cheers!
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