Nine Hats Red 2012

Just because this juice didn't make the final of Randy Dunn's Feather or Michel Rolland's Pedestal doesn't mean the wines aren't delicious. Resident magician Gilles Nicault cast these lots into a marvelous potion of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (21%), Syrah (7%), Petit Verdot (6%), Malbec (6%) and Carménère from warm Weinbau on the Wahluke Slope and Benches near Wallula Gap. The resulting wine is fully loaded with aromas of black cherry, marionberry and plums, accented by dark chocolate and black pepper. Those same tones turn into smooth flavors that are nicely balanced with fine-grained tannins. A hint of black currant in the finish adds length. Score - Outstanding!. (Andy Perdue & Eric Degerman, greatnorthwestwine.com, Dec. 17, 2014)