{"title":"Hedges Family","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"hedges-family-estate-cms-white","title":"Hedges Family Estate CMS White","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHedges Family Estate CMS White\u003c\/strong\u003e is a biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc-dominant white blend from Washington State, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2017 vintage earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the wine has consistently scored between 86 and 89 points across multiple vintages from respected critics. CMS refers to its three-grape composition: Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Red Mountain AVA, Washington State  |  Blend: 78% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 2% Marsanne  |  Producer: Hedges Family Estate\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHedges Family Estate is situated on Red Mountain AVA in Washington State, one of the state's most prized appellations. The estate practices biodynamic farming and employs time-honored winemaking techniques across its vineyard holdings. The CMS White draws from Columbia Valley fruit and stands as one of the original malic-acid friendly white wines released from Washington State — a distinction that speaks to its role as a pioneering expression in the region's white wine landscape. The blend leans heavily on Sauvignon Blanc at 78%, with 20% Chardonnay adding body and a trace of Marsanne at 2% contributing textural complexity. Decanter described it as having \"great mouthfeel and structure; ripe and rich with a French touch.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with lemon verbena and key lime before unfolding into layers of honeydew, grapefruit, and passionfruit. Underneath, ripe apple and pear aromas emerge alongside subtle floral and guava-like characters that give the bouquet real depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and bright, driven by clean acidity and vivid citrus. At mid-palate, stone fruit and ripe apple expand the flavor, while the Chardonnay component introduces a slightly creamy, rounded texture. The peak reveals a beautifully structured core of Sauvignon Blanc fruit with defined herbal sophistication and a delicate balance of acid angularity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is refreshing and satisfying, carrying grapefruit and citrus flavors with moderate persistence. A subtle buttery quality from the Chardonnay lingers alongside clean mineral tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink CMS White\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled between 45–50°F to let the aromatic complexity fully express itself; this wine rewards attention neat in a proper white wine glass. For cocktail-adjacent applications, three wine-based drinks suit it well: a classic \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the wine's natural acidity and tropical fruit shine through the effervescence; a \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Blanca\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the passionfruit and citrus notes amplify fresh summer fruit; and a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using wine in place of Champagne, where the Marsanne's textural weight holds up against lemon and gin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to serious Washington State white wines beyond Riesling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather patio dinners featuring seafood or grilled vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to wine enthusiasts interested in biodynamic producers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course meal where versatility across dishes matters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does CMS White taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e CMS White delivers crisp citrus and tropical fruit — particularly grapefruit, passionfruit, and stone fruit — with a slightly creamy mid-palate and bright, refreshing acidity. A subtle herbal quality adds complexity without overshadowing the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does CMS White compare to Château Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Washington State Sauvignon Blancs from Columbia Valley, but CMS White distinguishes itself through its multi-grape blend (adding Chardonnay and Marsanne for body and texture) and its biodynamic farming approach. The Hedges bottling tends toward a rounder, more structured profile compared to a straightforward single-varietal Sauvignon Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs CMS White good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its layered aromatics and balanced acidity make it a rewarding wine to drink without food, particularly when served well-chilled on a warm day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is CMS White made?\u003c\/strong\u003e CMS White is produced by Hedges Family Estate, located on Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. The grapes are sourced from Columbia Valley, one of Washington's largest and most important wine regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with CMS White?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled halibut or sea bass, where the wine's acidity cuts through rich flesh; goat cheese salads, which complement the herbal and citrus notes; roasted chicken with lemon and herbs for a classic pairing; Thai green curry, where the tropical fruit tones mirror the dish's aromatics; and fresh oysters, which highlight the wine's mineral and grapefruit qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does CMS White come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e CMS White is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs CMS White worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e CMS White positions as an accessible, everyday-quality wine from a biodynamic estate — a combination that is relatively uncommon at its price tier in Washington State. With consistent critic scores in the high 80s and a Gold medal to its name, it delivers genuine complexity for an entry-level estate wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy CMS White?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of Washington State whites is its pedigree and purpose. Hedges Family Estate farms biodynamically — a commitment that goes well beyond organic certification — and the CMS White was among the first malic-acid friendly white wines released from the state, giving it a legitimate claim as a regional pioneer. The three-grape blend is not a marketing gimmick; the Sauvignon Blanc provides the aromatic engine, Chardonnay delivers weight and roundness, and the small percentage of Marsanne adds a textural nuance you simply do not find in single-varietal bottlings at this level. For anyone seeking a white wine that reflects its origin with genuine character rather than manufactured appeal, the CMS White earns its place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hedges Family","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837415813289,"sku":"23462","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Hedges-Family-Estate-CMS-White__46347.jpg?v=1730481434"},{"product_id":"hedges-family-estate-cms-red-blend","title":"Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Blend","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHedges Family Estate CMS Red Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Merlot-led Bordeaux-style red wine from Washington State's Red Mountain AVA, bottled at 14.0% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced from Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyards using native fermentation, this blend earned the Robert Parker Green Emblem Award in 2022 for the estate's long-term commitment to sustainability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Red Mountain AVA \u0026amp; Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State  |  Bordeaux-Style Red Blend  |  Winery: Hedges Family Estate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHedges Family Estate farms biodynamically on Red Mountain, one of Washington State's most acclaimed AVAs for red wine, and holds Demeter certification — a rigorous standard that goes well beyond organic. The CMS name stands for its three grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, though Merlot dominates the blend at roughly 67–71% depending on vintage, with Cabernet Sauvignon contributing 24–30% and Syrah rounding out at 3–6%. Fermentation relies entirely on native yeast — no commercial strains are added — and the wine undergoes a mixed aging regime where approximately 40% is racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation and 15–18 months of aging on a combination of 60% French oak and 40% American oak, while the remaining 60% completes malolactic in tank before joining the barrel program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black cherry and wild blackberry lead, followed by semi-sweet chocolate, dried herbs, and a dusting of cinnamon. Beneath those primary notes sit quieter layers of black tea, cedar, and a touch of orange zest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and fruit-forward with ripe blackberry and plum. Mid-palate, the wine gains density as flavors of cassis, milk chocolate, and toasted walnut emerge alongside peppercorn and crushed oregano. The structure is medium-bodied yet chewy, with enough tannin grip to keep the fruit honest without turning austere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish runs long and velvety, trailing leather, anise, and earthy clove. Vanilla spice from the oak lingers without overwhelming the fruit or herbal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink CMS Red Blend\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of air, either poured into a large-bowled glass or briefly decanted. Its medium body and balanced tannins also make it an excellent base for wine-forward cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e works surprisingly well here, as the wine's bright acidity and berry fruit stand up to cola's sweetness. In a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, the CMS adds depth with its chocolate and spice undertones beneath the whiskey. For a simple warm-weather serve, try a \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e — the blackberry and herb character plays naturally with lemon soda and citrus peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats or pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing Bordeaux-style blends to someone exploring Washington State wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA sustainable wine gift for environmentally conscious drinkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar of biodynamic and natural wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the CMS Red Blend taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum alongside semi-sweet chocolate, peppercorn, and dried herbs, with a velvety, medium-bodied texture and a long finish marked by leather and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the CMS Red Blend compare to a Bordeaux from Margaux?\u003c\/strong\u003e Reviewers frequently draw the Margaux comparison because Red Mountain AVA produces similarly structured, Merlot-dominant blends with fine tannins and herbal complexity. The CMS tends toward riper, more overtly fruity expression than most Margaux, reflecting Washington's warmer climate and longer growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the CMS Red Blend good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its medium body, approachable fruit, and moderate tannin structure make it versatile enough for casual weeknight meals while still rewarding attentive sipping on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is the CMS Red Blend made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hedges Family Estate produces this wine on Red Mountain in Washington State's Yakima Valley, sourcing fruit from both Red Mountain AVA and the broader Columbia Valley AVA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with the CMS Red Blend?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and peppercorn notes; roasted portobello mushrooms echo its earthy character; aged cheddar or Gruyère mirror its rich texture; slow-braised short ribs match its depth; and dark chocolate desserts align with its cocoa and vanilla finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does the CMS Red Blend come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the CMS Red Blend worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e The CMS positions as an accessible, everyday-tier wine from a biodynamic estate, which makes it a strong value given the Demeter certification and native-yeast fermentation — processes that typically add production cost without always being reflected at this price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy CMS Red Blend?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull Demeter-certified biodynamic farming and native-yeast fermentation are uncommon at this price level, giving the CMS an authenticity that many similarly priced blends lack. The Robert Parker Green Emblem Award (2022) independently validates the estate's sustainability credentials, not just a single vintage. With an 87-point average across 51 critic reviews on Wine-Searcher, the wine delivers consistent quality vintage to vintage. For drinkers who want a Bordeaux-inspired red from one of Washington's most distinctive AVAs without paying reserve-tier prices, the CMS occupies a genuinely useful niche.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hedges Family","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837457920169,"sku":"11044","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Hedges-Family-Estate-CMS-Red-Blend__47703.jpg?v=1730482977"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/hedges-family.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}