Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Blend

Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Blend 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Red Mountain AVA & Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State  |  Bordeaux-Style Red Blend  |  Winery: Hedges Family Estate

Production & Heritage

Hedges 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink CMS Red Blend

This 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 Kalimotxo works surprisingly well here, as the wine's bright acidity and berry fruit stand up to cola's sweetness. In a New York Sour, the CMS adds depth with its chocolate and spice undertones beneath the whiskey. For a simple warm-weather serve, try a Tinto de Verano — the blackberry and herb character plays naturally with lemon soda and citrus peel.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats or pasta
• Introducing Bordeaux-style blends to someone exploring Washington State wines
• A sustainable wine gift for environmentally conscious drinkers
• Building a cellar of biodynamic and natural wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CMS Red Blend taste like? 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.

How does the CMS Red Blend compare to a Bordeaux from Margaux? 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.

Is the CMS Red Blend good for everyday drinking? 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.

Where is the CMS Red Blend made? 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.

What foods pair well with the CMS Red Blend? 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.

What sizes does the CMS Red Blend come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is the CMS Red Blend worth the price? 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.

Why CMS Red Blend?

Full 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.