2014 14 Hands Columbia Valley Stampede Red Blend ($9)
I've recently read some nice things about 14 Hands Winery and, never having had their wines, I thought I'd give this one a try.
The Stampede Red Blend is a combination of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mouvèdre. Oh, and Viognier. Yes, Viognier, a medium to full-bodied white wine that gives a bit of an aromatic kick to the Syrah base.
Each variety was vinified and aged separately in mostly neutral French and American oak for nearly two years with blending occurring just prior to bottling.
Right out of the bottle, this blend exhibited big red fruit aromas and the full-bodied flavors that are expected with a Syrah. Along plenty of tannin.
After decanting for an hour this wine really settled down and exhibited some smoothness and subtle hints of its oak aging.
This 2014 Stampede Red Blend received 88 points from Wine Enthusiast and 89 points from Wine Spectator. Very nice ratings, especially for $9 bottle of wine. So, another great value wine. Check it out.