Tuesday, January 20, 2009

2006 Hedges "Three Vineyards" Red Mountain, Washington



I've been seeking Washington State wines recently and Hedges Cellars's "Three Vineyards," Red Mountain blend has received 90+ ratings in the past. The other thing that attracted me to this wine was it's origin - Red Mountain. Wine writer Elin McCoy had a column in August talking up Red Mountain AVA in Washington, saying that she found "stunning cabs and syrahs made from grapes grown in Red Mountain, the state's smallest and most exciting appellation."

Since this wine can be had for less than $20, what's not to like? (I purchased my bottle from K&L for $18).

Hedges calls the wine it's flagship of its estate bottlings, saying it is a "classic Red Mountain wine showing deep, dense color, firm yet supple tannins, and well defined acidity."

The blend is 51% merlot, 38% cab 7% cab franc, and 4% syrah, all from three estate vineyards: Hedges Estate Vineyard, Bel'Villa Vineyard, and Red Mountain Vineyard. It clocks in at 13.6% alcohol, a nice level for a restrained wine.

This wine didn't open up for a day or two, but when it did, I found aged leather on the nose. It blossomed into a sumptuous wine with some contact with oxygen, displaying blackberries and currants in the glass, bright, unfiltered fruit flavors that finish with green peppercorn and a tannic tang on the tongue.

I'd recommend seeking out this wine, especially if you can get it for less than $20.

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