Wine of the Week: 2013 Dama Cowgirl Cabernet

They might have similar latitudes, but Washington Wine Country and Eveleth, Minn., are a world apart when it comes to grape-growing conditions. So Iron Range native Mary Tuuri Derby headed west to make her mark in the wine world. One happy result: the 2013 Dama Cowgirl Cab, a bargain at $18. This hearty, balanced red is quintessential Washington cabernet, with gobs of ripe red and purple fruit (plum-o-rama!) and just-right dusty tannins. The finish is robust and mouthwatering, thanks to spot-on acidity. It's the rare cab that would play well with chicken or other fowl, and a perfect complement to a pizza with Italian sausage and/or pepperoni.

Available at Cotroneo's, Domacin, Franklin-Nicollet, Short Stop, Lakeside and Lowry Hill.

Bill Ward