Tasting - 14 hands

Name: 14 Hands
Variety: Merlot
Country of Origin: United States
Region of Origin: Columbia Valley
Vintage Year: 2016
Price: $12

Winery Review: This wine poured plum colored in the glass with edges of strawberry. Legs were apparent and slow to drip down the sides of the glass. Light barely penetrated this wine.

The aroma of the 14 Hands Merlot was very pleasing. It started as dark and earthy, but then revealed notes of cherry with a light tinge of alcohol in the nose. On the palate, the wine exhibited lush flavors of mocha, black cherry and blackberries. A bit of oak, as well. Mouthfeel was smooth and milky. However, firm tannins were noted especially on the sides of the tongue.

The finish was long and brought about a very interesting and enjoyable transition from smooth and milky to slightly dry. Likely due to the blend and the structure of the tannins.

Wine Folly: pg. 131 Merlot - I definitely got the dry herbs flavor, and plum as well. However, I did not get the cherry or chocolate mentioned in the Wine Folly book. I did get a little bit of vanilla.

My Review: As soon as I tried it, it made me realize how much I liked the Prosecco sparkling wine that I just tasted. It was very dry and felt sharp, like a mini punch to the mouth. It was definitely earthy, but I don't think I'm a fan of dry & earthy tasting wines. It was bitter, but also felt clean - silkyish like water.