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Hard Row To Hoe Wines

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Hard Row To Hoe 2008 Syrah (Lake Chelan)

Editors' Choice
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Price $28

Syrah does well all over Washington, but the Lake Chelan region has a particular mix of qualities that are most appealing. The scents swirl through a circus of attractions—coffee and toast, berry and cassis, loam and funk, spice and citrus peel. They seem to go on almost infinitely. The flavors continue along the same lines; just as you think you’ve nailed them… — P.G. (7/1/2011)

Hard Row To Hoe 2006 Cabernet Franc (Wahluke Slope)

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Price $32

This is a pure Cab Franc, stylish and varietal. The new oak was limited to just 30%, giving a kick to the natural toastiness of the grape. The fruit mixes blueberries, black cherry and a streak of cassis, then runs into luscious mocha and espresso, with highlights of black pepper and cedar. The tannins have been beautifully managed. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

Hard Row To Hoe 2006 Zinfandel (Wahluke Slope)

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Price $35

Syrupy and dense, this brings super-ripe blackberry fruit, mocha and butterscotch. What sets it apart from similar California efforts is that it retains natural acids and some lovely herbal highlights, so it’s not just a hot, heavy, alcoholic date—the sort that breathes in your ear and leaves you exhausted but somehow unsatisfied. If you like big, brawny Zin, but… — P.G. (8/1/2009)

Hard Row To Hoe 2009 Shameless Hussy Rosé (Lake Chelan)

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Price $22

Made from 100% Sangiovese, grown on the shores of Lake Chelan, one of Washington’s newest and smallest AVAs. The extra year in bottle has softened and opened the aromas, which bring exceptional complexity to what might appear to be a more simple wine. Not just fruity, though there is plenty of tangy strawberry nectar, along with hints of orange peel and chai tea… — P.G. (7/1/2011)

Hard Row To Hoe 2008 Cabernet Franc (Lake Chelan)

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Price $45

Piercing aromas of very ripe fruit, verging on scents of raisins and prunes, mix in with dark streaks of cedar, coffee, and baking chocolate. Nothing shy here! This is full-bodied, forceful, big, bold and still balanced, though not a wine to pair with anything but the most robust foods. — P.G. (7/1/2011)

Hard Row To Hoe 2006 Barbera (Chelan County)

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Price $35

This pure variety from an emerging new Washington AVA has some guts and character. The acids are sleek, the wine suitably focused, the fruit an interesting mix of wild berries, citrus and pineapple. The flavors develop, adding in layers of butterscotch, toasted almond and buttercream. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

Hard Row To Hoe 2008 Burning Desire Petit Verdot (Yakima Valley)

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Price $35

A pretty nose topped with floral notes leads into a forward, fruity wine, with purple berries and plums dominating. Grace notes of anise and biscuit, along with a streak of vanilla, highlight the finish. — P.G. (4/1/2012)

Hard Row To Hoe 2007 Shameless Hussy Merlot (Wahluke Slope)

Price $20

Riverbend vineyard—the estate vineyard for Fielding Hills—is the fruit source. Also in the blend are Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Berries, cassis, coffee liqueur, vanilla and coconut flavors combine in a tasty and substantial take on Merlot. This is especially rich in barrel flavors for this price. — P.G. (5/1/2010)

Prominent Designations [All]

Burning Desire Iron Bed Red Laid Back Cab Miss de Miner Red Shameless Hussy

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Barbera Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Marsanne Merlot Petit Verdot Pinot Noir Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah Viognier Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Regions [All]

Chelan County Columbia Valley (WA) Lake Chelan Wahluke Slope Yakima Valley

2008 Rodney Strong Reserve

Here’s a fruity, soft, flamboyant Cabernet, packed with plum, blackberry…

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