An Affordable Washington Wine with a Cool Label

I purchased this bottle of Gifford Hirlinger from Pike & Western Wine Shop during my last trip to Seattle.  The full retail price is an attractive $14.  This is a tasty bottle of wine which I recommend you drink now.  It is a daily drinker that you may quaff or give some thought too and you will be pleased.  With too much inspection you will be distracted by the developing coarseness and heat.

2008 Gifford Hirlinger, Stateline Red, Walla Walla Valley
This wine is a blend of 46% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 4% Tinta Cao, 3% Tempranillo, and 1 % Petit Verdot.  The wine was aged for 18 months in 95% neutral oak and 5% new oak.  Those nose reveals blue fruits and sweet spice.  In the mouth the wine is front-loaded with flavors, mainly red fruits with a dark fruit undertone.  There is a wee bit of sweet spice midpalate and some spiciness in the finish.  The soft flavors thin out a bit as fine tannins develop and the profile turns a bit rough with some heat.  Drink now. ** Now.