Owen Roe Yakima Red 06
Avalon's Wine Pick of the Week for 4-14-08

"Deja Vu, Anyone?"

Deja vu, anyone? Many months ago I freaked out after tasting the Owen Roe Yakima Red 05. It was a Friday night. I was on my way to pizza and beers with friends. It was day two with a sample bottle of Yakima Red, and it spoke to me. The aromas grabbed me by the nose, yanking me further into the last glass. What could be better than love at first taste? How about confirmation.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of visiting Owen Roe and re-tasting the 2005 Yakima Red ($42.00). Once again, I melted into the glass, finding that place where objectivity is swept away by pure enjoyment. Without a doubt, the wine keeps integrating, melding the Cabernet, Merlot, and Cab Franc into a sea of deliciousness. The caramel toast common in Owen Roe's big reds combines with oozing black cherry and dark berry. After airing, absolutely velvety flavors of black cherries are layered with dark raspberries and sweet cherries.  Sure, the tannins are there but they’re woven perfectly into the mouth-coating texture of the wine.  The finish reiterates all the wonderful fruit you can’t wait ‘til the next glass to get more of, mingling with pink peppercorns, tiny hints of dried herbs, cloves, cream and cocoa shavings.

Wine Spectator recently anointed the Yakima Red 05 with a score of 92 points, one point lower than the previous 2004 vintage. I’ve been saying from taste one, this is better than the 2004. I’ll say it again: this is one of the most attractive Northwest wines available. I hear that feedback constantly from customers. As wine lovers, we are lucky that winemaker David O'Reilly made enough to last this long.

You can sip it. No need to decant. Have it with a steak. Have it in a glass. But have it.

Marcus

Yakima Red is a popular wine with our Avalon Wine "Big Reds Club" members.