A blended white wine with Sauvignon Blanc dominating over 75% of the wine, this was one of the original malic-acid friendly white wines released from Washington State. Rounding out the blend is a touch of chardonnay accompanied by just a pinch of Marsanne. Beautifully structured with wonderful Sauvignon Blanc fruit character, the mouth feel has a delicate balance of acid angularity and defined herbal sophistication.
Black and blue fruits, rustic brambleberry, moist earth, tobacco, chocolate, leather and a touch of vanilla and peppermint. Small hints of cassis, plum and mixed spices. A touch of tartness is a pleasant first sensation. The mid-palate is full and the finish long and a bit creamy but it also has a touch of rustic refinement. Flavors of dark berry, peppermint, cinnamon, earth and a little vanilla make this wine extremely pleasant on both the nose and the palate. A perfectly quaffable Cabernet. Have a seat, reflect on the day and chill out with each sip.
The House of Independent Producers (HIP) Cabernet Sauvignon reminds the drinker why cabernet sauvignon is a structure varietal. A lean, angular, racy, penetrating, and crystalline structure is excellent for those drinkers looking for a more conservative fruit approach. Too many times this grape is abused with oak perfume and picked late, like an old man: wrinkled, soft, and complacent. Take your cabernet sauvignon young, tight, and transparent and leave the jam bombs for your sugar drinking friends. It's time to taste the varietal, not the brand. HIP is a project directed by Christophe Hedges, bringing to the table some of the more compelling Columbia Valley AVA vineyard sites.
Flagship wine of the estate, the HFE Red Mountain consistently displays dense color, firm tannins, and well-defined acidity. Always a majority blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is suitable for drinking upon release, but will reward those with the patience to age it. This wine represents all vineyard blocks farmed within the Hedges Family Estate vineyard portfolio. A true chateau-production bottling, the HFE Red Mountain is the epitome of classic style, and one that represents the Terroir of the Red Mountain AVA in a pure and elegant form.
Cabernet Merlot Syrah
Aromas of caramel covered cherries, blackberries and toast with hints of cocoa dust, vanilla and tar. This wine has a soft, sweet entry on the palate evolving into caramelly toast and sweet plums on the full mid-palate. There is good acidity and the long finish has some grip and lingering toasted tannin.