14 Hands Stampede Red Wine

14 Hands Stampede Red Wine is a bold, Syrah-led red blend from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal and 96 points at the SavorNW Wine Awards in 2016, signaling a level of quality that has kept it among the more recognized Washington State red blends at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Red Blend  |  Producer: 14 Hands Winery (Ste. Michelle Wine Estates)

Production & Heritage

14 Hands Winery is owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, one of the Pacific Northwest's largest and most established wine producers. The Stampede Red Wine draws its fruit from vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA, a vast growing region in eastern Washington known for warm days, cool nights, and well-drained volcanic soils. The 2022 vintage blends Syrah (44%), Petit Verdot (26%), Merlot (18%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), aged for nearly two years in mostly neutral French and American oak barrels. The deliberate use of neutral oak allows the fruit and spice character to lead rather than heavy wood influence — a lighter oak regimen that distinguishes Stampede from more heavily extracted blends in the category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with black cherry and dark plum, layered with cedar, peppercorn, and a subtle thread of fresh ground coffee. Deeper sniffs reveal cola, graphite, and light baking spice — a complex bouquet for a wine at this level.

Taste: On the palate, bright plum and boysenberry fruit arrive first, joined at mid-palate by vanilla, cola, and a streak of licorice. The tannins are ripe and velvety, framing the fruit without astringency, while lively acidity keeps the wine balanced and structured through the peak.

Finish: The finish is persistent, with clove spice and hints of herbes de Provence lingering alongside dark cherry. Medium in length, it leaves a dry, clean impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Stampede Red

Stampede rewards a slight chill to about 60–65°F and benefits from 15–20 minutes of air after opening; a broad-bowled glass helps the aromatic complexity unfold. Its fruit-forward but structured profile also makes it a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink base. A classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off the wine's existing cola note. A Red Wine Spritz with sparkling water and an orange slice keeps things refreshing in warm weather. And a Sangria built around Stampede, brandy, and stone fruit takes advantage of the wine's dark plum and cherry backbone.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something bold without opening an expensive bottle
• Backyard grilling with burgers, ribs, or smoked sausage
• Introducing a friend to Washington State red blends
• Building a casual wine-and-cheese board around robust flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stampede Red taste like? Stampede Red delivers ripe black cherry and plum fruit, accented by cola, vanilla, and peppery spice, with velvety tannins and a clean, moderately long finish. It reads as medium- to full-bodied, dry, and fruit-forward without being sweet.

How does Stampede Red compare to Columbia Crest Grand Estates Red Blend? Both are Columbia Valley red blends from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, but Stampede leans heavier on Syrah and Petit Verdot, giving it more peppery spice and darker fruit, while Grand Estates typically features more Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for a softer, more berry-driven profile. Stampede's nearly two years in oak also contributes slightly more complexity than Grand Estates' shorter aging regimen.

Is Stampede Red good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced acidity, ripe tannins, and layered spice make it enjoyable on its own, especially after a few minutes of breathing. It does not require food to show well, though it pairs naturally with hearty dishes.

Where is Stampede Red made? Stampede Red is produced by 14 Hands Winery, part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, using fruit sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA in eastern Washington State. The Columbia Valley's arid, sun-drenched climate and volcanic soils are well suited to ripe, concentrated red varieties.

What foods pair well with Stampede Red? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and peppery spice. Slow-smoked pulled pork echoes its cola and vanilla undertones. Aged cheddar or Gouda mirrors its richness, while mushroom risotto amplifies the earthy, savory side. Dark chocolate with a high cacao content brings out the wine's coffee and licorice notes.

What sizes does Stampede Red come in? 14 Hands Stampede Red Wine is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Stampede Red worth the price? Stampede Red positions as a value-tier red blend that regularly over-delivers for its category, as evidenced by its Double Gold Medal at SavorNW and an average critics score around 87 points. For a wine aged nearly two years in oak with a four-grape blend, it competes well against bottles priced significantly higher.

Why Stampede Red?

What separates Stampede from the crowded field of sub-premium red blends is its extended barrel program — nearly two years in neutral French and American oak is uncommon at this price point and lends genuine complexity rather than simple fruit sweetness. The Syrah-dominant blend, backed by the tannic backbone of Petit Verdot and the roundness of Merlot, creates a wine with more dimension than many competitors built primarily around Cabernet Sauvignon. A 96-point Double Gold at SavorNW validates the winemaking approach. For drinkers seeking a bold, spice-driven Washington red that doesn't require a special occasion, Stampede consistently hits above its weight class.