14 Hands Kentucky Derby Red Blend

food pairingsGrilled Burgers with Blue Cheese,Pizza with Marinara Sauce, ItalianCured Meats, Country Hamand BiscuitsAppellationColumbia ValleyAlcohol14.5%Total Acidity.52 g/1 mLpH3.72BlendMerlot, Petite Verdot,Cabernet Franc and otherselect red varieties.We crafted this limited release Red Blend to commemorate our proudsponsorship of the Kentucky Derby, and the 142nd race taking placein 216. The image of the front label features the winner of the 141strunning of the Kentucky Derby, and the 215 Triple Crown winner.Share this complex wine with friends at your Kentucky Derby viewingparty paired with party favorites like pizza and grilled burgers.THE VINTAGE• Temperate weather patterns from winter through spring left mostvineyards in good condition for the growing season.• The summer of 213 was one of the warmest in the past decadewith favorable temperature conditions extending into fall.• Accelerated ripening due to the warm season was slowed bycooler temperatures and light rain events mid-September.The timing and changes in temperature aided in hang timedevelopment resulting in stellar fruit characters and flavors.WINEMAKING• Ripe clusters were gently de-stemmed into traditional uprightfermenters.• After 24-48 hours of cold soaking to extract fruit flavors, the mustwas warmed and then inoculated to begin 5-7 day fermentations.• Pumpovers occurred twice daily to further extract color, flavorsand tannins.• A malolactic conversion immediately followed primaryfermentation, enhancing complexity and reducing acidity.• Barrel aging took place in mostly neutral French and American oakfor nearly 2 years to soften the wine.• The final blend was assembled just weeks prior to bottling.FLAVOR PROFILEThis opulent red blend showcases juicy Washington fruit characterwith aromas of blackberries and plums with subtle hints of chocolateand pepper. Flavors of dark berries and cocoa, support