2010 -14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon

Recently after reading an article about the wineries in Washington State, I decided that I should try a couple of them. I like to support wineries. ALL wineries! I wouldn't be writing this blog if I didn't! The article mentioned quite a few of them, but I decided that one in particular, looked really interesting, 14 Hands. So after reading the article I checked their website, and here are a few things out:

"The inspiration for 14 Hands wine recalls when wild mustangs once freely roamed the hills of eastern Washington State. These small horses, measuring a scant 14 hands high - a “hand” being equivalent to a man’s palm width and how horses were measured then - would travel down from the hills every day to drink from the mighty Columbia River and graze upon the luscious waist high grasses along the riverbank, and then retreat back up into the hills to cool off at night. Strong and tenacious, these little horses became known for their endurance and were revered around the world.

This unique and beautiful landscape that gave these unbridled horses their spirit and tenacity now feeds our vines. With loamy-sand and gravel soils, these hills require a strong and determined grapevine, and our 14 Hands vines revel in this unique and world class terroir. With the fruit from these tenacious vines, 14 Hands wines are handcrafted into big, bold, juicy fruit forward reds and crisp, fruit forward white wines that are laced with the unbridled spirit and legend of the region." And you what, they are RIGHT ON!

The wine heralds from the Columbia Valley and when I opened the bottle and poured it into the glass, it gave to me, a tremendous aroma of red currants and raspberries with subtle hints of spice. Nice dark color. A really dark, dark ruby red. Very earthy nose initially, then some berries come through. First sip is quite pleasant. It starts out fruity, then transitions nicely to an almost smoky taste in the mid palate. The finish is smooth. As time went on, this wine opens up really nice. I have to tell you, with the fall season now upon us, a great cabernet makes the evening just that much better! So add this one to your collection to have on hand. When you serve it, be ready to answer ALL the questions about it too. Everybody is going to say, "this is so nice, what is it?" Then use that special little, I knew it smile, and give them the spiel!

With this rich flavor, pair it with a nice Bruschetta. Now for those of you who have been to our home, Big Daddy makes a GREAT one that has very addictive qualities as well. Make some yourself and see, here is the link: http://bigdaddyscookingtonight.blogspot.com 

You could also have a great Eggplant Parmesan or a nice Italian American Meatloaf dish with this wine as well.

This wine definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! For about $11.00 a bottle well worth it to buy a few. Enjoy this vino, it's fall and it is enjoyable!