Tamarack Firehouse Red

Tamarack Firehouse Red is a multi-varietal red blend from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A previous vintage earned a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines list in 2010, and the wine has collected consistent critical praise including a 92-point score from James Suckling and a 90-point Wine Enthusiast Editor's Choice designation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Winery: Tamarack Cellars, Walla Walla

Production & Heritage

Tamarack Cellars is based in Walla Walla, Washington, and sources fruit from across the broader Columbia Valley appellation. Firehouse Red is built from an unusually complex blend of nine or more grape varieties — the 2017 vintage, for example, included 33% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache, 2% Counoise, 2% Sangiovese, and 2% Petit Verdot, with no single grape comprising even a third of the final wine. Fruit is gently crushed and dropped into 1.5-ton bins, cold soaked for 24 to 48 hours, then inoculated with a variety of yeasts, hand-punched during fermentation, and pressed directly to barrel where the wine completes both primary and secondary fermentation. Individual lots age separately in barrel for a full year before the final blend is assembled — a deliberate step that allows the winemaking team to evaluate each component's development before composing the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep boysenberry and huckleberry fruit, followed by ripe dark cherry and raspberry. Underneath, hints of white pepper, dried herbs, and subtle vanilla add aromatic complexity.

Taste: On the palate, luscious boysenberry and blackberry fruit arrive first, layered with dark plum and licorice. The mid-palate reveals dark chocolate undertones and fresh herbal notes, supported by harmonious sweet oak. The texture is silky and medium-bodied, with a plush, round mouthfeel that gives the blend its signature approachability.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately long, carried by rich, slightly drying tannins that provide structure without grip. Lingering notes of dark chocolate and dried berry persist well after the last sip.

How to Drink Firehouse Red

Firehouse Red drinks well at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time after opening. Its fruit-forward, medium-bodied profile also makes it a versatile wine for red-wine-based mixed drinks. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works here because the wine's berry depth holds up against the sweetness. A classic Sangria built with fresh stone fruit and citrus complements the blend's dark cherry and boysenberry core. For cooler months, a Mulled Wine preparation with cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel amplifies the existing spice and chocolate undertones.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want something a step above an everyday pour
• Introducing friends to Washington State red blends
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue spread of grilled meats and sides
• Stocking a mixed case for entertaining through fall and winter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Firehouse Red taste like? Firehouse Red leads with ripe boysenberry, blackberry, and dark cherry fruit, backed by layers of dark chocolate, licorice, and fresh herbs. The texture is silky with medium body and smooth, structured tannins on the finish.

How does Firehouse Red compare to other Columbia Valley red blends? Most Columbia Valley red blends rely on two to four grape varieties, while Firehouse Red incorporates nine or more — including less common components like Counoise and Mourvèdre — resulting in a noticeably more complex aromatic and flavor profile. Its individual lots also age for a full year in barrel before blending, a step many similarly priced regional blends skip.

Is Firehouse Red good for everyday sipping? Yes — its medium body, approachable fruit character, and smooth tannins make it an easy wine to enjoy on its own or alongside a simple meal without requiring extended decanting or ceremony.

Where is Firehouse Red made? Firehouse Red is produced by Tamarack Cellars, headquartered in Walla Walla, Washington, using fruit sourced from vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA. The Columbia Valley is Washington State's largest wine-growing region, known for warm days, cool nights, and low rainfall.

What foods pair well with Firehouse Red? Grilled lamb chops work well against the wine's herbal and dark fruit notes. Slow-smoked brisket mirrors its chocolate and licorice undertones. A wood-fired margherita pizza complements the berry fruit without overwhelming the blend's mid-palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echo the wine's sweet oak influence. Braised short ribs with root vegetables align with the plush, round texture.

What sizes does Firehouse Red come in? Firehouse Red is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Firehouse Red worth the price? Firehouse Red positions as a mid-range Columbia Valley red blend that consistently punches above its weight in critical scoring — including a 92-point James Suckling rating and a Wine Enthusiast Editor's Choice — making it strong value within the Washington State blend category.

Why Firehouse Red?

Few red blends at this price point incorporate nine or more grape varieties, and fewer still age each component separately in barrel for a full year before the final assemblage. That production approach gives Firehouse Red a layered complexity — dark fruit, chocolate, spice, herbs — that sets it apart from simpler two- or three-varietal blends dominating the same shelf. A spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines list, a 92-point James Suckling score, and a Wine Enthusiast Editor's Choice award demonstrate consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages. For drinkers exploring Washington State wine or looking for a reliable, food-friendly red with genuine depth, Firehouse Red has earned its reputation through the glass, not the label.