Canoe Ridge Vineyard The Explorer Horse Heaven Hills 2015

Canoe Ridge Vineyards released their 2015 "The Explorer" in December 2017. The 2014 version was a very limited production that was not widely marketed, but the blend of the 2015 version was modified and production was more than tripled. This will result in the wine being available to a wider audience. In anticipation of release of this wine into South Carolina, Precept Wines, parent of Canoe Ridge Vineyards, provided a sample of the wine for my review.

The Explorer 2015 is a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from three vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills portion of the Columbia Valley, Washington. The wine was aged 20 months in French oak- half new and half second or third use. The stated alcohol content is 14.62%.

The wine is a dark garnet color. I tasted black cherry, blackberry, plum, cola and a hint of mocha. The wine is fruit forward and elegant, with softer tannins and a very long, pleasant finish. We really enjoyed this wine and believe it is one of the most enjoyable red blends we have tasted in the past year.

The suggested retail price of this wine is $21.99, but some retailers will likely price it under $20. At this time, I do not know where it will be available but will revise this post as soon as I learn more. If you find it, be sure to buy a couple of bottles. It will be money well spent.

SC Wine Joe rating = 91 points

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