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Hood Crest Winery

Hood Crest Winery 2012 Super Tesscan

Rockin’ out in the Mt. Hood foothills

Love reds? Love whites? How about blues?

At Hood Crest Winery, you’re almost as likely to hear winemaker Tess Barr jamming with her eponymous blues band as you are to taste her wines. After all, the recording studio and record label are right there on the property.

Jam-packed with visitors, vintages routinely sell out, and Tess and Patrik’s sense of whimsy is always on display. They’re also not afraid to challenge tradition (and maybe even break a rule or two) – giving some of their wines names that are just-that-close to official names, including the Barrdeaux Blend (a name now outlawed by the feds) and the Super Tesscan.

If you’re lucky enough to be at Hood Crest on a weekend when the Tess Barr Band is jammin’, you’ll get an unparalleled experience – gorgeous views of Mt. Hood, rockin’ music, hot pizza right from the wood-fired oven, and stellar wines.

Hood Crest Winery

Cellar 503 Tasting Notes

Hood Crest Winery, Hood River, Oregon
2012 Super Tesscan

It’s a classic blend – the powerful and punchy Italian Super Tuscan. Typically, the Super Tuscan consists of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with some Sangiovese thrown in for good measure.

Why is it “super”? Well, because it includes unusual, non-indigenous grapes grown in one of the greatest Italian wine regions, Tuscany, known for traditional Italian grape varietals. As a technical matter, Super Tuscans are breaking the local Italian wine regulations. (A perfect fit for Tess & Patrik Barr’s approach!)

The Hood Crest Super Tesscan blend is 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. You’ll get deep, rich aromas and lush fruit flavors with an amazing hint of smokiness on the end that will keep you coming back for more.

Serve it with a hot and spicy pizza like they do at Hood Crest and you won’t go wrong!

A Cellar 503 selection in October 2015, The Artistry of Blends Columbia Gorge | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese