The Firefly Ridge The Red Flash 2014 is a blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Zinfandel sourced from vineyards in more than one California grape growing AVA. Firefly Ridge is a label produced by The Wine Group whose wines include, Benzinger, Concannon, Cupcake, Fisheye, Franzia, and MD 20/20, along with several others. This brand isn’t listed on their website, so it may be a label specifically sold to a grocery store chain. It is available in Chicago at Jewel Foods and seems to be sold at stores affiliated with Safeway. These wines can be sold at a lower price since distributors do not have to have their sales force hit the streets to sell the wine to wine shops. The back label says this blend sees a touch of oak seasoning and the alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is an opaque black cherry red, very inky. The nose is toasty oak, plum, raspberry, a touch of chocolate and blackberry, not bad for a 6 buck wine. This blend has a soft, smooth mouthfeel, with ripe fruit flavors and a nice hit of spice on the finish. It starts with rich blackberry, sweet raspberry, a little fudge, and slightly sour cranberry. The mid-palate offers blueberry and peppery spice (but mild, not too bold). The tannins stay out-of-the-way and there is enough acidity to use the Firefly Ridge with the meal. The finish is fairly full and lengthy.
The Firefly Ridge The Red Flash 2014 is a very good effort for a $6 Red wine. It has good flavor and is well-balanced for a fruit forward value priced Red blend. As for pairing, burgers and pizza will do well along with BBQ chicken on the grill. The Firefly Ridge is a fruit forward wine, but it isn’t too big or too bold, it won’t overpower more delicate flavors.
