Tamarack Cellars, Columbia Valley (Washington) “Firehouse Red” 2017

($20):  Given the blend, Syrah (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot (18%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Mourvèdre (3%), and 2% each of Grenache, Counoise, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot, they could have called it “Kitchen Sink Red.”  But it works.  Fruit flavors mix with savory ones.  Fine tannins make it lovely for current drinking and bright acidity keeps it interesting throughout a meal.  Thankfully, it does not finish sweet.  The world needs more $20 wines that deliver this kind of pleasure.
88 Michael Apstein Nov 24, 2020