Hedges CMS 2000 Columbia Valley, Washington $13
What the Wine Critics thought: Wine Enthusiast 89 points
CMS stands for Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, the components of this fragrant, fruit-loaded, immensely popular blend. Ripe red and blue berries, tart and tangy, are the stars of this show. No oak here, just plenty of well-defined fruit flavor.
What we thought: A little like eating blackberries in a cedar closet, this wine has lots of cedar and cassis on the nose with blackberry and a hint of tobacco kicking in on the medium-bodied palate. Firm tannins that quickly soften kick in on the finish to round out the package.

10/16/2002