Spatula Diaries: Red and affordable

“Wine lovers know it’s easy to find a good red if you’re willing to drop $20 or more per bottle,” writes 225 food blogger Maggie Heyn Richardson. “The ongoing challenge is smoking out something memorable in the $10-$12 range. Here’s one that fits the bill: At $12, the 2009 ‘CMS’ Red from Hedges Family Estate in Washington State’s Columbia Valley is a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Syrah blend (hence the name) that features good berry fruit, nice tannins and a supple finish. The 2007 and 2008 vintages were solid, but this one is even better. Drink now with flank steak, London broil with blue cheese sauce or Swiss and shitake burgers.” Read about another excellent red in that bargain range in this week’s Spatula Diaries.