Maryhill Winemakers Red Blend

Maryhill Winemakers Red Blend is a Bordeaux-style Columbia Valley red wine bottled at 14.1% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This blend earned a Platinum award (93 points) from Great Northwest Wine and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, underscoring its standing among top-value Washington reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.1%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Bordeaux-Style Red Blend  |  Winery: Maryhill Winery

Production & Heritage

Maryhill Winery was founded in 1999 in Goldendale, Washington, perched along the Columbia River Gorge, and has grown into one of the state's ten largest wineries. The Winemakers Red Blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc — all sourced from Columbia Valley vineyards. A distinguishing production choice is the use of native yeast fermentation rather than commercial yeast strains, paired with dual heating and cooling tank control, a combination few Washington wineries employ. This approach produces a broader spectrum of aromatics and a house style marked by layered complexity rather than single-note fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Black cherry and ripe cane berries lead, followed by vanilla, tobacco leaf, and a thread of earthy minerality. Deeper into the glass, subtle smoke and black pepper notes emerge.

Taste: The entry is plush with silky black cherry and blueberry fruit, carrying real density without heaviness. At mid-palate, bittersweet chocolate and anise develop alongside balanced acidity. Ripe berry flavors stay focused through a framework of fine-grained tannins that add structure without excessive grip.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering chocolate, sweet cedar, and a dusting of dried spice. The tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a pleasingly dry close with a trace of dark fruit.

How to Drink the Winemakers Red Blend

This blend drinks well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of air after opening. Decanting softens the tannins further and opens the secondary aromas. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, the Winemakers Red Blend works in a Kalimotxo (its dark fruit and spice balance the cola sweetness), a Red Wine Sangria (the cherry and berry notes play naturally with citrus and stone fruit), and a classic Mulled Wine (the tobacco and cedar spice complement warming clove and cinnamon).

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want something a step above the ordinary
• Introducing a friend to Washington State red wines
• Hosting a casual wine tasting focused on Bordeaux-style blends
• Pairing with grilled meats at a backyard cookout

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Winemakers Red Blend taste like? It leads with ripe black cherry and blueberry, transitions through bittersweet chocolate and anise at mid-palate, and closes with cedar and dried spice on a medium-long finish. The overall impression is a fruit-forward but balanced red with polished tannins.

How does the Winemakers Red Blend compare to Columbia Crest Grand Estates Red Blend? Both are Columbia Valley Bordeaux-style reds at a similar price tier, but the Maryhill expression uses native yeast fermentation, which tends to produce a wider aromatic profile with more earthy, savory complexity. Columbia Crest Grand Estates generally leans toward a cleaner, more fruit-driven style achieved with commercial yeast strains.

Is the Winemakers Red Blend good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered fruit, moderate tannin, and 14.1% ABV make it an engaging standalone pour, especially after a few minutes of airing. It rewards attention without demanding it.

Where is the Winemakers Red Blend made? It is produced by Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, Washington, situated along the Columbia River Gorge within the Columbia Valley AVA. Maryhill has operated from this location since its founding in 1999.

What foods pair well with the Winemakers Red Blend? Grilled lamb chops match its earthy, herbal undertones; smoked brisket echoes the wine's tobacco and smoke aromatics; aged cheddar contrasts the fruit while complementing the tannin structure; mushroom risotto amplifies the savory complexity; and dark chocolate desserts mirror the bittersweet cocoa notes in the finish.

What sizes does the Winemakers Red Blend come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the widely available format for this wine.

Is the Winemakers Red Blend worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Columbia Valley red, and its Platinum and Double Gold competition results place it well above its price tier in terms of critical recognition. For a native-yeast-fermented, multi-varietal Bordeaux blend from a top-ten Washington winery, it represents strong value.

Why the Winemakers Red Blend?

Native yeast fermentation is the defining factor here — it's a production choice that most wineries at this price point skip in favor of predictability, and it gives the wine a layered aromatic identity that commercial-yeast reds rarely achieve. Competition results back this up: a 93-point Platinum from Great Northwest Wine and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition are not typical for wines in this value range. Maryhill's dual temperature-controlled tank system adds another layer of precision, ensuring the fruit stays expressive while the native fermentation adds depth. For drinkers exploring Washington red blends or looking for a reliable bottle that consistently overdelivers, this expression earns serious consideration.