HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE | Red Mountain | 2019
merlot | cabernet sauvignon | syrah | malbec | cabernet franc | petit verdot | sousao | touriga nacional | tinta cao

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Located in the heart of Washington State’s Red Mountain AVA, Hedges Family Estate is an established family business that considered among the most important in the area, due to its pioneering role in the local wine industry. Led by a passion for authenticity and a deep connection to the land they call home, the Hedges Family epitomizes the modern wine estate.

The wine that we are going to review today hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from the Washington State‘s Red Mountain AVA (USA) – Red Mountain 2019 by Hedges Family Estate. This wine is a harmonious blend of no less than 9 grape varieties: merlot (43%), cabernet sauvignon (23%), syrah (17%), malbec (7%), cabernet franc (4%), petit verdot (3%), while the remaining 3% are formed by the three portuguese red varieties: sousao, touriga nacional and tinta cao. Wine blending is part art and part science, which takes years to master, as the winemakers has to use a combination of technical skills, laboratory analysis and wine tasting in order to achieve the desired results. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Hedges Estate, Bel’Villa, Jolet and Les Gosses vineyards, that are situated in the Red Mountain AVA (Washington State, USA). In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 18 months in french and american oak barriques, both new and old. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & oaky
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine unveils aromas of ripe red fruits, reminiscent of sweet cherries and red plums, that slowly give way to hints of dried cranberries and dates. Nuanced wisps of sun-dried oak peek through, adding a touch of vanilla, coconut and cloves that enhances the aromatic complexity. In the background, subtle earthy notes of clay and marl emerge, hinting at the wine’s connection to its terroir. This inviting bouquet suggests a complex wine with a well-structured balance between its fruity charm and pronounced oaky intrigue.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: appealingly seedy

//Verdict
maturity: developing | almost there | drink now or in the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is a rich, ample, and well-structured wine blend with a round and complex mouthfeel. It drinks beautifully today, but could also develop further complexity with a couple more years of cellaring. In its essence, this is a classic american red blend, vinified in a clear-cut, New World style, with plenty of expressive and explosive fruitiness, that is sure to please those wine enthusiasts who prefer bold and fruit-forward wines – a real crowd pleaser.

//Scoring
HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE | Red Mountain | 2019
variety: merlot | cabernet sauvignon | syrah | malbec | cabernet franc | petit verdot | sousao | touriga nacional | tinta cao
country: USA
region: Washington State | Red Mountain
rating: 93.6
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This is definitely a fine wine of USA and, with a total of 93.6 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: With its bold fruit character, exuberant acidity and seedy tannins, this wine would be a great match for grilled meats or barbecue. Lamb burgers with a slightly sweet and spicy glaze would be perfect. The fruitiness of the wine will complement the rich flavor of the lamb, while the bright acidity in the wine will cut through the fattiness of the meat. In the same key, the smoky and savory notes from the grill will further enhance the wine’s complexity, while a touch of sweetness in the glaze will counter-balance the wine’s vibrant acidity. This pairing will highlight the expressive, New World character of the wine. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.