Hedges Family Estate

Now we are back in the US again, so I am switching to English, for the benefit of our American friends. After two long, but uneventful flights, we land in a very hot Atlanta. We head north in the rental car, and after about 18 hours of non-stop travel, we finally arrive at Lisa's place. Here we are of course warmly welcomed, and it does not take long until the first bottle of wine is uncorked. It is a completely new acquaintance,  2008 Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain from Washington State. Red Mountain is situated in Yakima Valley, in the eastern part of the state, and it became its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 2001. The wine itself is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 36%, Merlot 33%, Syrah 14%, Cabernet Franc 11% and Malbec 6%.

This is a dark wine (in color I mean) dominated by dark fruit such as blackcurrants and plums. This is complemented with a bit of lead pencil and some earthy flavors. In the mouth it is well balanced with smooth tannins and a long finish. This is a rather sophisticated wine, which goes very well with food. In a blind tasting I would probably have guessed France, not Washington State. I will definitely be looking for this wine again.

www.hedgesfamilyestate.com