Originally from the state of Washington, I am certainly a fan of Washingtonian wines. But I also innately hold them to a higher standard as Washington is my home turf that remains dear to my heart. With this in mind, superb wines from Washington are even more splendid and lackluster wines are even more humdrum.
But put your seatbelt on, as Owen Roe continues to be a solid producer in the Yakima Valley—about a three-hour drive from Seattle on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains. On the outside, the 2015 Owen Roe bottle label features the Drumlane Abbey in County Cavan, Ireland, the artwork of David K. Brunn. On the inside, this wine is intense with 36% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec.
Primary aromas and flavors include black plum, blueberry, sharpened pencil lead, a pop of green bell pepper, dusty rose petals, and a touch of olive tapenade. Secondary notes include French vanilla bean. Tertiary notes gracefully unfold to clay and blackberry preserves. This wine is dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol, medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, full body, and medium tannins that were juicy. The finish was medium. When you are in the mood for a black fruit-dominant wine, this is it.
