Dark cherry, crushed graphite, bruised strawberry. Plum skin, cool gravel, blackberry purée. Wilted violet and acacia leaf, dense menthol and Cuban cigar. Black currant and black licorice battle for control in front of mocha crème brûlée and cedar. A number 2 pencil chewed and smashed beyond recognition steals the show over regal & restrained fruit. This 2011 Wallula Vineyard Marie's View Red Blend by Den Hoed Wine Estates is a terroir driven beauty from Washington's Horse Heaven Hills.

The Wallula Vineyard owned by Den Hoed Wines Estates is considered to be one of very best vineyard sites in the entire state of Washington. Located in the Horse Heaven Hills appellation just across the border from Oregon this vineyard sits on a south facing slope overlooking the Columbia River. The presence of this large river moderates temperatures and allows for a unique microclimate perfect for wine growing. This wine, comprised of a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah with smaller portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, & Sangiovese, is a fantastic example of what this vineyard can produce. It is dark fruited but not thick, structured but not austere, and polished but not contrived. This bottle showed perfectly for us but absolutely should continue to improve as it ages. The balance and expression of terroir really impressed us here - it is no wonder that Washington reds have been steadily garnering so much hype in recent years.