Cinder Heights Touriga Nacional 2014
Cinder Hills Estate · Washington State, USA
At a glance
- Producer
- Cinder Hills Estate
- Region
- Washington State, USA
- Grape variety
- Touriga Nacional
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $30-$45
Tasting profile
Ripe dark berry and plum aromas with notes of spice, leather, and subtle tobacco. Palate is concentrated with firm tannins and balanced acidity.
Evolution: Over time will gain complexity with tertiary flavors of dried herbs, earthiness, and leather.
At peak: Expect rich, integrated flavors, softer tannins, and elegant structure at peak.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium-high
- Tannins
- Firm, structured
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Aging potential
- 10-15 years from vintage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2023 to 2028
- Optimal window
- 2020 to 2030
- Current status
- Approaching optimal maturity
- Current condition
- Wine is showing developed fruit complexity with firm tannins, ready for early drinking but will improve with careful cellaring.
Touriga Nacional from Washington with solid structure and ripe fruit typically evolves over 10-15 years. This 2014 vintage shows good tannic backbone and acidity allowing extended aging with a peak expected in mid to late 2020s.
Food pairing
Pairs well with grilled red meats, lamb, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1 hour) — Helps soften tannins and open up aromas for greater enjoyment.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Use of drip irrigation for water conservation, solar panels powering winery operations, composting grape pomace, and minimal pesticide use.
Cinder Hills Estate engages in recognized sustainable practices focused on water conservation and renewable energy, achieving a solid sustainability performance with room to improve in packaging light-weighting and further carbon reduction.