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O-S, Guardian Cellars, Substance, McKinley Springs, Sineann Giant flavor, itty bitty prices. We're constantly tracking down unknown Washington big reds at tiny prices - following a rumor, a recommendation, a hint - and tasting dozens of wines to find the best few from all of Washington State.
McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon 03 $20.95/$18.86
Guardian Cellars Chalk Line 06 $24.95/$22.45 The nose on the Chalk Line has big black and red fruits with a little smoke and spice. Flavors of red and black cherries with black raspberries lead to a long silky finish. This wine was made to be very approachable at a young age. You can age this wine, but it's not necessary. Mark Ryan offshoot Guardian Cellars was formed by Jerry Riener and Mark McNeilly, who work together at Mark Ryan Winery.
Substance Syrah 07 $14.95/$13.45 This Syrah is sourced from two fantastic vineyards, Les Collines, which is quickly becoming the premier vineyard for Syrah in Walla Walla, a major portion of the Gramercy Walla Walla Syrahs, and the phenomenal Waters Old Stone Vineyard, in the legendary "rocks" district of Walla Walla.
O-S Winery Red 06 $20.95/$18.86 36% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
Sineann "Abondante" $23.95/$21.55
Abondante 06 combines a real range of varietals with Peter's knack for creating intense reds. This is one of the best value big Washington reds at the price. The 2006 Abondante is a blend of Columbia Valley Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Zinfandel and Cabernet. Peter says: "Tastes more like a $40 wine than a $24 wine".
Owen Roe Sinister Hand 07 $23.95/$21.55 The Sinister Hand 2007 combines its usual intense, fleshy, generous qualities with the fresh fruit flavors and balance of the vintage. For 2007, the blend is 62% Grenache, 21% Syrah,and 16% Mourvedre from several Yakima, Washington area vineyards. Highly recommended - ready to drink, crowd pleasing, generously plump and fleshy yet appropriate to pair with foods such as grilled meat, sausage, and cassoulet.
We're available by phone at 541-752-7418 Marcus,
Jean, Julianna, and Wendy
Marcus Looze
Julianna Betjemann Wendy Brown
Jean
Yates
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This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the first vines Andrews Horse Heaven Ranch
planted in 1980. The neighborhood is pretty nice, considering Champoux
Vineyard is nearby. These 25 year old vines produce big, bold Cabernet
that shows black berries, black cherries, chocolate, espresso beans with a hint of mint and spices.
Balanced and just plain delicious.
Owner and winemaker Jerry Riener calls Chalk Line his "kitchen sink wine".
It's a big red blend of 50% Cabernet sauvignon, 22% Malbec, 17% Syrah and 11% Merlot.
Chalk Line contains a little of just about every 2006 vintage lot he brought in.
Smoky aromas of blackberry and blueberry lead into an impressively
rounded burst of huckleberry pie. This is no fruit bomb, with
remarkable stony complexity and length. Walla Walla Syrah for $15 -
are you kidding?!
Exquisitely plush and velvet textured, the O-S Red has fragrant aromas of black fruits, espresso and roses. The rich dark-toned flavors of black plum, coffee and cassis are seamlessly framed with firm but subtle tannins. It is an exceptionally versatile wine with food as well as a first rate glass on its own. - the winery.
Owen Roe's Sinister Hand 2007 is rich and full-bodied. Dark purple in color, with a nose of sweet spice box and white pepper, the wine coats the palate with fresh fruit - sweet red and black cherries, black currant, and blackberries. Smooth and integrated tannins in the finish contain abundant dried cherry, white pepper, cassis, and just a hint of brine and minerals.
