2012 14 Hands Kentucky Derby

2012 14 Hands Kentucky Derby

14 Hands Winery Debuts First Limited Release Kentucky Derby® Red Blend
New Wine Available Nationwide and Offered at Select Events during the 141st ‘Run for the Roses™’

14 Hands Winery top-selling wine producer from Washington state, is proud to commemorate its continued partnership with the Kentucky Derby® by offering a one-of-a-kind wine experience with the launch of the 14 Hands Limited Release 2012 Kentucky Derby® Red Blend.

14Hands-Kentucky-Derby“Our goal when crafting this unique wine was to capture the fun yet sophisticated essence of the Kentucky Derby,” said 14 Hands winemaker Keith Kenison. “What makes this red blend so unique are the layers and structure you’ll discover with each sip, from dark fruit flavors to light touches of white pepper. We are always striving to make a style of wine that everyone can enjoy, and we think the Kentucky Derby Red Blend is perfect for those who want to take a taste of the Derby home with them.”

The 14 Hands Kentucky Derby Red Blend offers a harmonious combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to provide a flavorful wine experience that showcases juicy Washington fruit character. Aromas of dark berries and plums introduce this rich blend, followed by subtle hints of chocolate and white pepper. Flavors of dark berries and cocoa, supported by plush tannins, give way to a lengthy persistent finish. The 2012 Kentucky Derby Red Blend is available now for a limited time nationwide and online on14hands.com at the suggested retail price of $12.

As a proud sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for three years running, 14 Hands will kick off Derby week at the sixth annual Taste of Derby™ on Thursday, April 30. Several 14 Hands wines will be poured and paired with signature dishes created by nationally renowned chefs. Various 14 Hands wines will also be featured at select Churchill Downs concessions and suites on Kentucky Oaks day, Friday, May 1, and Kentucky Derby day, Saturday, May 2.

About 14 Hands Winery
14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once roamed the arid landscape of eastern Washington. It was here that these special horses – measuring a scant “14 hands” tall – developed their legendary endurance, strength, and tenacious spirit. Like these wild horses, the vineyards struggle in the same harsh conditions of eastern Washington. It is their ability to thrive in this environment that produces the world-class quality fruit that goes into each bottle of 14 Hands. Learn more at 14hands.com.

About Churchhill Downs
Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN), which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 2, 2015. The track’s 2015 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 25-June 27. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Prosser, Wash.

Fine California Cabernet

Fine California Cabernet

Winemaker’s Notes:

Caymus Vineyards produces two Cabernets Sauvignons – a “Napa Valley” and the venerable “Special Selection.” Both Cabernet bottlings have aromas and flavors which can only be achieved through “hang time” – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. Leaving the fruit to “hang” on the vine unusually long develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the tannins of the grapes. The wines are abundant in textural tannins yet soft as velvet. Crop thinning, allowing measured sunlight to reach the vine’s fruit zone, and waiting for increased ripeness are all part of our viticultural practices. Caymus Cabernets offer a wide array of aromas and flavors including cocoa, cassis and vanilla.

Caymus Special Selection is the flagship wine of the Wagner family and is comprised of the very best barrels of the vintage. This wine is not produced in difficult years. Caymus Napa Valley is more representative of a standard Cabernet of Napa Valley, as it is a bit less precocious than the Special Selection, but still delivers big. Caymus prides itself on producing wines that are as approachable in youth as well at maturity. Both the “Napa Valley” and “Special Selection” Cabernets are produced under the winemaking hand of Chuck Wagner.