If you always go for full-bodied, full-flavored red wines, then you’re probably a fan of Bordeaux-style blends (even if you don’t know it yet). Tamarack Cellars’ Firehouse Red, made from sustainably grown Washington State grapes, is a textbook example, with traditional berry flavors and just enough of those bitter tannins to remind you it’s supposed to taste like Bordeaux. Here are the stats for you wine geeks: 29% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 3% Sangiovese, 2% Zinfandel and 2% Petit Verdot, Grenache, Mouvedre and 1% Cunoise – talk about a blend! Then, it’s all aged for 16 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak to let the wine mellow and add some of those vanilla oak tones. Firehouse Red also makes a great gift for history buffs: Tamarack’s winery is located in a renovated firehouse in what was once a World War II Army Air Base. Tip of the Tongue This is a great red wine to drink with braised short ribs, or almost anything that features beef.
|