Sunday, May 15, 2011

Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red Columbia Valley 2009

It's the middle of May, but it may as well be October for the cloudy, cold weather today. Which is why I'm going for a hot red number from Tamarack Cellars.

The Firehouse red is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Zinfandel, and 1% each Petit Verdot and Carmenere.

Color: Deep, opaque ruby
Nose: A burst of berries, dried roses, and smooth oak with a bit of spice
Palate: Nicely balanced oak, plums, cherries, and a hint of.. nutmeg? It finishes long, a bit on the sweet side, with wonderful crushed roses.

What surprises me is that the nose is a bit firmer and more assertive than the palate. It's easy on the tannins, and could probably stand a couple more years of aging, but on the whole very enjoyable and just right for a chilly spring or fall evening.

Drink responsibly, i.e. with a friend. Ah, and here's a tip from a recent trip to Paris: serve it with a small plate of thinly sliced high-quality salami. Goooood stuff!

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