By Duane Pemberton
Winery website: http://www.hoguecellars.com

Hogue Cellars is a Washington Winery located in the town of Prosser – it’s one of the most recognizable brands from that state. Several years ago, however, it was acquired by Constellation Wines and since has seen a massive thrust into a national presence.

Some of my first experiences with Washington wine was a bottle of Hogue, however, it had been awhile since I tasted them so this was a good time for a refresher course.

Technical Data: 

• Harvest Dates:  September 20–October 25, 2009
• Appellation: Columbia Valley
• Vineyards: Olsen, Andrews-Hogue, Fries, Zephyr Ridge Roskamp
• Varietal Percentages: 85% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Lemberger, 3% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot, 1% other <– WTF is “other”?
• Harvest Brix:  27.8˚
• Residual Sugar:  0.05g/100ml
• TA:  0.56g/100ml
• pH: 3.79
• Alcohol:  13.9%
• Case Production:  13,016

Nose: spiced blueberry. marionberry . leather and smoked plums.

Taste: Smokey,  spicy black fruits in a leather rollup. nice tannins acids and lingering finish make this syrah a good value play.