Canoe Ridge Red Blends
Washington red blends from a ridge Lewis and Clark named.
The story behind Canoe Ridge
Canoe Ridge takes its name from a crest of land above the Columbia River. Lewis and Clark noted in 1805 that the long ridge looked like an overturned canoe, and the name stuck. The vineyard went in during 1989 in the Horse Heaven Hills, a south facing slope running 425 to 740 feet, planted by Washington farmers and investors including Rick Small of Woodward Canyon. Precept Wine has owned the brand since 2011.
Those vines grow on their own roots, because hard winters keep phylloxera out of the ground here. The red blends lean on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, layered with Syrah, Malbec and Grenache, and they rest in French oak for a soft, toasted frame.
Explore the Canoe Ridge range
Two blend tiers and the single varietals behind them. Expedition is the value pour, Explorer steps up in weight, and the Cabernet and Merlot stand on their own.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Expedition Red | Red Blend | 13.5% to 13.9% ABV | Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet, Grenache. Dark cherry, plum, soft oak |
| The Explorer Red | Red Blend | 14.6% ABV | Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Fuller, savory tannin |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Red Wine | Dry table wine | Cassis and cedar, French oak frame, firm finish |
| Merlot | Red Wine | Dry table wine | Plum and baking spice, rounded mid palate |
| Chardonnay | White Wine | Dry table wine | Orchard fruit, gentle oak, clean finish |
Which Canoe Ridge is right for you?
Pricing here is honest. The Expedition Red runs $15.99 and The Explorer Red is $17.99, so you can step from one tier to the next for two dollars and taste what the extra weight buys. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay all sit at $19.99, which puts single varietal Washington wine in reach of a Tuesday dinner. Buy Canoe Ridge online and we will have it ready for pickup in Commack or send it out locally.
Fifteen ninety nine and built for grilled pork or a plate of lamb chops.
More Cabernet weight and savory tannin when the meal deserves it.
Horse Heaven Hills fruit, French oak, and a firm dry finish.