For the wine snob: Blend breakdown 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 18% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache, 2% Counoise, 2% Sangiovese, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Nebbiolo. Firehouse Red is aged in 40% new oak barrels, mostly French and American oak with a compliment of Hungarian oak, and 60% 2nd and 3rd vintage barrels. Only after one year in barrel do the individual lots of wine that compose the Firehouse Red get blended.
For the rest of us: Bright and tart red fruit leads on the nose, including red cherry and pomegranate, followed by subtle floral aromas and spicy notes. The palate is rich and focused with its tannins sitting in the mid-palate. Balanced flavors of red fruit are followed by fresh and pleasing savory tannins, showing notes of cocoa that lead into a long, smooth finish. This would pair with spicy marinaras, tomato based flatbreads, char grilled burgers, as well as bold flavored cheese.