WAugust! - Red Blends
Get ready for another fun installment of our WAugust tasting series—31 days of celebrating Washington wine!
Four fantastical Washington red blends perfect for easing into late-summer sipping. We’ll be pouring two juicy, chillable Rhône style reds alongside two classic Bordeaux style blends with a little more depth and structure. Featuring wines from Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, and Red Mountain, this tasting is a good look at the range of Washington reds—from bright and easygoing to rich, layered, and dinner-ready. All these wines are on my favorites list. You won’t wanna miss this one.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, August 12th
HOURS: 2PM - 8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Sonder, Red Field Blend Yakima, Washington $21
Sonder is a small Yakima-based project from winemaker Riley Miller, who founded the label to make bright, low-intervention Washington wines. This Rhône-inspired Columbia Valley blend brings together Counoise, Grenache, Cinsault, Viognier, and Roussanne. A playful mix of red and white grapes that drinks like a lighter, livelier cousin of Côtes du Rhône. We find watermelon, strawberry, summer berries, violet, black pepper, fresh herbs, and a touch of earth, with crunchy acidity and gentle tannin. A fun little reminder that “field blend” means the grapes can be grown, picked, and fermented together. Like a vineyard potluck that somehow really works.
Grosgrain, “Petit Grosgrain” Red Blend Walla Walla Valley, Washington $29
Grosgrain makes fresh, elegant wines from organically farmed sites in the Walla Walla Valley. The winery’s restrained approach favors natural acidity and subtle oak over makeup and muscles; give it a quick decant and let those Walla Walla rocks and herbs do their thing. A Rhône-leaning blend of 53% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, and 2% Charbono. Deep ruby, medium bodied, savory, and beautifully unfussy, with fresh blackberry and plum, olive, garrigue, and a little wild-herb charm.
Abeja, “Beekeeper’s Collection” Red Blend Columbia Valley, Washington $39
Abuja’s main line features single varietals like Cab, or Syrah. But let the blend fest begin, with their Beekeepers Collection! A Bordeaux grape bend that is generous without shouting. Wild berry, cardamom, mint, and tobacco on the nose, then strawberry-rhubarb, Bing cherry, blackberry, clove, black tea, and cocoa powder through a mouth coating finish. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec aged 17 months in 25% new oak and 75% experienced oak. Grown in the south east regions of Wahluke Slope, Walla Walla Valley, and White Bluffs.
Fidélitas, “4040” Red Blend Red Mountain, Washington $35
The 4040 is named for the 4,040 acres of Red Mountain, a small but mighty AVA where warm days, cool evenings, and desert-like conditions help Bordeaux grapes build serious flavor and structure. This Cabernet-led blend 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Strawberry, blackberry, baking spice, black cherry, cocoa, and fig, all wrapped in plush tannins and that signature dusty Red Mountain finish. A polished, friendly red with enough swagger for steak, but no need to wait for a special occasion.
