Grower Mike Andrews of Coyote Canyon Vineyard planted his first Cabernet grapes in 1994. “I like to think of the Horse Heaven Hills wines as having a velvet touch on the tongue. This is a silky lingering mouth feel that adds more dimension to the wine,” he articulates, adding: “The velvet mouth feel comes from the uniqueness of the soil, especially the silt and ash components. Secondly, we have a long growing season that allows for the complete ripeness of the grapes, giving those big dark fruit flavors.”
The majority of Andrews’ 1,135-acre vineyard is Cabernet Sauvignon yet he has boldly experimented with 26 different varietals to showcase the terroir’s true capability.
Sangiovese is one of the Italian varietals that Andrews grows, and it marries exceptionally well with Cabernet in this value-driven red blend.
Coyote Canyon Vineyards 2020 Coyote Red Wine Horse Heaven Hills AVA
91 pts.
Bold and robust, this red is a winning combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Sangiovese (45%). Built with a powerful structure that features appealing bright cherry and strawberry framed by generous toasty oak, notes of bittersweet chocolate and baking spice linger with barrel spice on the lingering finish. $25