What Are the Best Red Mountain Wines?
If you have traveled around Washington as a wine enthusiast, chances are you have visited The Red Mountain, and in particular, The Red Mountain American Viticultural Area, or AVA. The Red Mountain wine region is in the southeast corner of Washington state, near the Tri-Cities and nestled between Rattlesnake Mountain and Candy Mountain.
The Red Mountain AVA is on the southwest slope and is a 3.5 hour drive from Seattle. Surprisingly, the AVA is one of the smallest grape growing regions in Washington. It’s also one of the warmest. With its truly unique and diverse geology, its south slope, and the consistent winds the grapes grown in the Red Mountain wine region are some of the best in the world.
Here is our shortlist of the best Red Mountain wines:
Portrait Cellars
The 2006 Red from Portrait Cellars is a must-try. And with a price tag of $25 it makes the perfect holiday or birthday gift. This wine is produced intimately in an estate vineyard and is aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. After its two-year aging process, there is a three to four-year delay from release. During this time the intensity of wine is allowed to mellow. This impressive Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. It is known for its smoke and cherry intensity.
Goedhart Family
We have no reservations about calling the Goedhart Family 2009 Syrah one of the best Red Mountain wines from the Red Mountain wine region. This Syrah is made from grapes picked early which are bright and acidic, as well as grapes picked later which are gamey and deep. The Syrah is aged for ten months in oak and the result is truly elegant as well as complex.
Pacific Rim & Co.
Pacific Rim & Co.'s Thick Skinned is from the Red Mountain wine region and truly stands apart from other wines with its beautiful bold character. Thick Skinned fermentation process brings out the distinctly lush textures and flavors of the fully ripened grapes that are harvested for its production. Thick Skinned is a Bordeaux style blend and has a bold character which makes it one of the best Red Mountain wines.
Pour a glass, relax, and appreciate the beauty and refinement of the best Red Mountain wines.