Acquilini 2019 10000 Hours Red Wine

Acquilini owns a lot of Red Mountain acreage and offers several different brands from their expansive vineyards. Since we're heading into BBQ season, with the 4th of July right around the corner, it seems to be the right time to feature this big, bold red. Yes it's a bit of a splurge, though it represents the value end of the Acquillini portfolio. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc – classic stuff. Aged 20 months in 35% new French oak, it drinks like a much more expensive wine. In a way it's old school Washington Cab, with alcohol topping out at 15%, though that's not all that unusual for Red Mountain. It's instantly appealing, smooth as silk, with a lush mix of red and black fruits and a big swath of mocha saturating the palate. Delicious now, it's certainly cellar-worthy for the rest of the decade. Go ahead and treat yourself – I'm confident you're going to love this wine.

2447 cases; 15%; $35 (Red Mountain)

https://aquiliniwineshop.com/product/10-000-hours-red-blend/