Portland sommelier/winemaker Bradford Cowin works with young Firethorn Vineyard, a fascinating Oregon site south of the Columbia River near Hermiston. This is a winemaker’s Cab, one that will appeal to foodies and fans of Bordeaux. While it spent 21 months in a five-barrel program that included a pair of new French oak barrels, the wood provides texture and allows for full appreciation of the grape. The nose features sweet herbs, high-toned red fruit and the chalkboard dust that’s hints at the Horse Heaven Hills in the distance to the north. On the palate, plums, pink strawberries and juicy Montmorency cherries hang together among substantial tannins, pinch of mint and red bell pepper that will play delicious with a ribeye or lamb burger. These wines are available at the Urban Crush winemaking co-op just west of Ladd’s Addition in Portland.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 125 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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