14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon

The Bold, Fruit-Forward Spirit of Washington's Desert Hills

Capture the rugged, free-roaming essence of the Pacific Northwest with 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing its name and inspiration from the historic, wild horses that once sprinted across the eastern hills of Washington State—horses measured at just "14 hands" high—this winery focuses on uncompromised varietal character.

While valley-floor Cabernets from California or Europe can sometimes lean into aggressive, mouth-drying astringency, Washington’s distinct terroir weaves a different story. Sourced from the intense, sun-drenched, gravel-heavy vineyard blocks of the Columbia Valley, this bottling builds a beautifully rounded, bold red wine tailored explicitly for casual weeknight pours, backyard cookouts, and smooth, approachable glass-clinking.

The remarkable structural profile of 14 Hands Cabernet relies on the Columbia Valley’s extreme diurnal temperature swings (scorching, sun-drenched days balanced by crisp, chilly desert nights). This climate halts sugar development at night, allowing the fruit to retain its refreshing natural acidity while developing thick, pigment-dense skins.

The wine features a dominant core of Cabernet Sauvignon, seamlessly enhanced with small, precise additions of Syrah and Merlot to polish the mid-palate and fill out the texture. Following an optimized warm fermentation on the skins to maximize color extraction, the liquid undergoes aging in a custom combination of French and American oak barrels to introduce warm wood sugars and soften the structural tannins.

Taste Profile & Gastronomy

• The Profile: A gorgeous, deeply saturated dark ruby and purple color in the glass with quick, clean legs. It commands a wonderfully integrated, medium-to-full body, an exceptionally supple, mouth-coating mid-palate texture, and soft, fine-grained tannins that prevent any harsh drying sensation.

• Flavor Highlights: An inviting, perfume-forward nose jumps from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe black cherries, dark plums, and black currants, beautifully underscored by background layers of sweet vanilla bean, warm cocoa powder, baking spice, and a soft touch of toasted oak. The palate follows seamlessly, flooding the mouth with layers of juicy dark berry compote, subtle espresso bean, and a hint of dried herbs.

• The Finish: Clean, remarkably smooth, and satisfyingly dry-sweet, resolving with an appetizing trail of dark fruit oils, soft oak sugars, and a lingering trace of warm spice free of harsh or astringent burn.

• How to Enjoy: Because of its accessible, plush structure, this Cabernet Sauvignon shines brightest when served at a cool room temperature (around 62°F to 65°F / 16°C to 18°C). Simply pull the cork and pour directly into standard red wine glasses—no long hours of tedious decanting required.

• Gastronomic Pairings: Thanks to its brilliant combination of rich dark fruit and smooth tannins, 14 Hands Cabernet functions as a highly versatile weapon at the dinner table. It pairs magnificently alongside grilled ribeye steaks, wood-fired barbecue beef brisket, roasted domestic lamb chops, and hearty venison burgers. It is equally spectacular when matched with casual comfort foods like gourmet pepperoni pizzas, slow-cooked beef stews, or a laid-back charcuterie board stacked with sharp cheddar, cured meats, and dark chocolate.

Product Specifications

• Typical Size: 750ml Bottle (Classic High-Shouldered Bordeaux Glass Framework)

• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

• Winemaker Portfolio: 14 Hands Winery

• Wine Type: Dry, Medium-to-Full Bodied, Fruit-Forward Red Wine

• Varietal Baseline: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with Merlot and Syrah

• Aging Program: Matured in a Blend of French and American Oak Cooperage

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~14.5% (Varies slightly by vintage)

Plush black cherry meets a velvety, spice-kissed oak frame. By pairing a sun-drenched Columbia Valley grape canvas with precise oak barrel maturation and an uncompromised, approachable vision, 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon over-delivers a deeply satisfying tasting experience—serving as the ultimate centerpiece for backyard gatherings, an exceptional housewarming gift, or a highly reliable daily drinker for your home collection.