Sleight of Hand “The Spellbinder” Red Blend

The Sleight of Hand wines all have a magical theme to their labels, reflecting the magic that happens in the cellar when these guys get their hands on top-quality grapes from Walla Walla.  A Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blend, this wine explodes with ripe fruit flavors and a nice richness imparted from French oak barrel aging…hands down the best wine in the half-case!

91 points Wine Spectator

 

Renegade Cabernet Sauvignon

This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the prestigious Horse Heaven Hills region in the Columbia Valley.  This wine spends 16 months in new French oak, which gives it a delicious vanilla, mocha, clove, and roasted pecan quality, which beautifully accents the black cherry, black currant, and plum flavors.  This is a great wine to have with a steak, but the richness also complements a caramelized onion flatbread, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty shepherd’s pie.  This wine is super-small production too…only 173 cases were made!

 

Fourteen Hands Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a perennial favorite from one of Washington’s more well-known producers.  Bright fruit flavors and mellow tannins make it easy to see why!  Fresh raspberry and black cherry flavors get just the right amount of the variety’s accent flavors of cedar, dried herbs, and black pepper.  This easy-drinker is great with a cheese plate, but also goes well with pizza and burgers.

 

Hedges CMS Red Blend

Hedges is a personal favorite producer in the small area of Red Mountain, dedicated to organic and biodynamic grape growing.  This Cabernet-Merlot-Syrah blend (hence the CMS) is a great showcase for the major red varieties grown in the state.  Robust and bold fruit flavors get a hefty dose of spice and a touch of smokiness, making this a great foil for any kind of grilled or barbequed meats.

 

Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot

Merlot reaches great heights in the state of Washington, where the climate and soil types are well-suited for the variety.  Blackberry, black plum, and baked cherry flavors get a good dose of dried herbs and a nice spiciness imparted from 10 months of oak aging.  Pair this mellow Merlot with glazed ham, mushroom risotto, or weeknight pasta casseroles!

 

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc’s characteristic citrusy flavors are center stage here, along with a touch of freshly-cut herbs, green apple, and a mineral edge.  Altogether, this wine is a great foil for salads, seafood, or grilled chicken breasts.