More Wineries Go into Red Blends

Lately, I have been seeing more red wine blends from more wineries. There are wineries that up until now have produced only varietal wines or "premium" blend that are venturing into producing wines for $20 or less. The reason is obvious: the economy which has driven more consumers to seek quality wines at more affordable prices.

Some of these blends have off-beat presentations. Corvus Cellars, which produces one principal wine, a Red Mountain Cabernet, has a "Ruckus Red." Sparkman Cellars has come out with a "Kindred Red," a tribute to family ancestors. Sometimes the blend is identified, sometimes not. More often than not, the blended wine is not mentioned in a winery's website. With the popularity of blends already being turned out by L'Ecole No. 41 (Recess Red) Saviah Cellars (The Jack) and Tamarack Cellars (Firehouse Red) and others, it seems more wineries are wanting to get a piece of the action. Here are some examples I've tried lately:

N/V Porzione Washington Red Wine by Distefano ($12)

Put together for Esquin Wine Merchants, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot offers smoky aromas of raspberries, blackberries and plums. The flavors are supple and chewy, with undertones of chocolate, licorice and mocha, followed by a well- textured back that shows moderate tannins and a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. Excellent value. 17.5/20 points.

2007 Ruckus Red by Corvus Cellars, Columbia Valley ($18)

This 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich aromas of blackberries, cherries and plums with scents of lavender and sage. The medium full-bodied flavors are pleasant and generous, with touches of earth, licorice and cocoa powder. The back is well-textured with a pleasant ripeness that hold on through the chewy finish. 17.5+/20 points.

2008 Kindred Red by Sparkman Cellars, Columbia Valley ($20)

Deep ruby colored, this wine shows a smoky, spicy raspberry, blackberry and cherry nose with lavender scents. The flavors are generous and chewy, with a savory character that continues on the back, with fleshy fruits that are intermixed with notes of licorice, chocolate, mocha and earth. The ripe chewiness continues on the moderate tannin finish. Quite a bit of flavor interest for $20. 18/20 points. Purchased at Esquin Wine Merchants.

2008 Board Track Racer, "The Vincent," by Mark Ryan, Columbia Valley ($20)

This Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah blend displays a ripe, spicy raspberry, blackberry and plum nose with scents of incense and sage. The flavors are ripe and fleshy, like berry preserves, with touches of licorice and cocoa powder, and persist on the back. The moderate acid and tannin finish shows touches of spice and vanilla. The back label says "Cellared and bottled by Board Track Racer Cellars, Benton City." 18/20 points. Purchased at Esquin.

2008 Matthews "Blackboard" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($20)

This wine exhibits rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, blueberry, anise and a hint of mint, with direct, penetrating red and blue fruit flavors that show notes of licorice and chocolate. On the back, sensations of macerated currants and cherry liqueur emerge, followed a juicy ripe tannin finish. Proceeds benefit the Ackerley Partnership for resources at the University of Washington School of Education to improve student learning and train new K-12 teachers. 18/20 points. Purchased at Esquin.

Other Red Blends recently reviewed:

2007 McKinley Springs Bombing Range Red, Columbia Valley ($12) 17.5/20 points (October issue)

2008 Gifford Hirlinger Stateline Red, Walla Walla Valley ($16) 18/20 points (August)

N/V Va Piano Bruno's Blend VI, Columbia Valley ($20) 18/20 points (August)

2007 Bergevin Lane Calico Red, Columbia Valley ($16) 17.5/20 points (July)