Sandhill & Ridgefield Labels Offer Delicious, Well Balanced Wines

Sandhill Winery is family owned winery located on the far eastern side of the Yakima Valley. Current releases include one white and three red wines, masterfully produced by winemaker Pete Hedges.

What struck me most about Hedges’ red wines is how perfectly balanced they are. That is, they all seem to have just the right elements of fruit flavors, tannins, alcohol and acidity that mesh together into a seamless, pleasurable wine tasting experience.

nullThe Sandhill 2003 Merlot (about $25) is filled with beautiful berry aromas followed by a ton of dark cherry and blueberry flavors on the palate. The finish, capped by just a hint of acidity, is lush and luxurious without being fat. For Washington Merlot drinkers, this wine may very well be as good as it gets.

Another winner is the Sandhill 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $25) which spent nearly two years in oak and 20 months in the bottle before its release this year. It’s a powerful, yet elegant cabernet, with subtle touches of black licorice, chocolate and ultra-dark plum and a toasted oak finish that adds length and depth without being overbearing.

For the more budget minded, the winery’s alternate “Ridgefield” label offers a tasty, affordable red wine with a bonus for environmentally conscious consumers. The 2005 Ridgefield Cinnamon Teal (about $11) is a delightful blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, with fairly soft and fruity flavors and a slightly spicy, savory finish. A portion of all sales proceeds from the wine go to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge in Southwestern Washington.

For white wine drinkers, the winery also produces a 2007 Pinot Gris – which I’ve yet to try – that also retails for about $11 a bottle.

Sandhill and Ridgefield wines can be purchased or ordered locally at the Community Food Co-Op and The Vines wine shop and can also be found at Compass Wines in Anacortes.

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