Avalon's Insider Tip of the Week
Wine Spectator Highly Recommended
Owen Roe Lady Rosa Syrah 07

Last week we told you that Owen Roe's Lady Rosa Syrah 07 received 94 points from Wine Spectator. We just learned that the Lady Rosa label was sent to Wine Spectator, to be a "Highly Recommended" wine in the print edition's buyer's guide.

Since there were only 350 cases of Lady Rosa made, we had to pass this tip on right away so that you can stock up before the print edition of Wine Spectator hits the stands.

Speaking of, do you ever have that moment of frustration when Spectator's Top 100 is announced and all the wines are sold out? While know one knows which wines will end up in the Top 100, these Washington reds are all candidates for the Wine Spectator Top 100 based on the magical combination of ratings and price.

We've tasted them all - they're delicious!

Owen Roe Lady Rosa Syrah 07
$44.95/$40.46
Wine Spectator 94 points

Wine Spectator: "Polished, refined and beautifully focused to show its plum, clove, nutmeg and cream flavors against superfine tannins. The flavors persist elegantly on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2015." - HS

Totally lush scents of candied violets, sweet blackberries, and bacon fat waft from the glass. Super juicy yet sweet blackberries mingle with hints of clove, anise, and ginseng on the complex finish. The Lady Rosa 07 marries fantastic density of fruit with brightness from the acidity. Remarkable balance for such a big wine--expect it to age gracefully.

The 2007 Owen Roe Lady Rosa Syrah is made from Mike and Karen Sauer's Red Willow Vineyard (67%) and the rest from Outlook Vineyard, farmed by Roger Bates. These small hillside blocks are situated high in the cool western Yakima Valley and yields were kept low to maximize flavor and balance.

Every year, this is the Owen Roe Syrah you want to spend time with, as you witness the layers of flavor unfold in the glass. Cellaring this wine will produce even more enjoyment. This is one of the finest Washington Syrahs produced.

The 2006 vintage received 93 points from Wine Spectator.

Efeste Ceidleigh Syrah 06
$29.95/$26.95
Wine Spectator 93 Points
Wine Spectator: "Smooth, round and generous, this positively glows with gorgeous plum, blackberry and floral spice aromas and flavors, echoing on the long, expressive finish. This just doesn't quit. Drink now through 2014.

This is a massive Syrah that manages to retain its balance. Rich, full-bodied black fruit takes your palate by storm and stays for a minute. Expect to see more praise for newcomer Efeste.

Andrew Will
Sorella Red Wine 06
$74.95/$67.45
Wine Spectator 95 points
for the second vintage in a row!

Wine Spectator: "Tight, focused and distinctive, this sharp-edged wine shows ripe currant, spice, tobacco and coffee flavors that sneak up on you. They start slow but swirl through the mildly grippy tannins into a long, expressive finish, making for a beautifully compact and complex wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2011 through 2018. From Washington." - H.S.

Huge scents of black fruits, espresso, and wiffs of vanilla-tinged woodsmoke give way to layers of black cherries, black currants, and super-dark blueberries. The 06 Sorella is at once supple and structured, and really begins to shine with a couple hours of decanting. The finish is exceptionally long, with sweet licorice, minerals, and baking spices adding to the stunning fruit. - Avalon

Novelty Hill
Cabernet Sauvignon 06
$23.95/$21.55
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Wine Spectator: "Dense and chewy, but with a nice lift of acidity and freshness as the finish rolls in, framing the cherry, blackberry, coffee and smoke flavors as they linger expressively. Best from 2011 through 2018." - HS

Novelty Hill Cabernets have been among the finest values in Washington in every vintage they've been produced. Big, chocolate-laden, smooth, and ready to drink.

MORE WINE SPECTATOR RATED
WASHINGTON REDS

Januik
Cabernet Sauvignon 06
$29.94/$26.95
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Wine Spectator: "Chunky and chewy, with a stylish core of red berry, red currant and cherry fruit poking through a layer of prickly tannins. Needs time to soften, but this should get there. The finish just doesn't quit." - HS

This supple, complex Cabernet is overflowing with ripe currant, blackberry, chocolate and warm vanilla notes in the nose. On the palate, the wine lingers with a long, supple finish.

Buty
Merlot/Cabernet Franc 07
$39.95/$35.96
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Wine Spectator: "Lithe, open-textured and distinctive for its complex, rose petal tinged blackberry, espresso and licorice flavors, mingling on the classy, expressive finish. Drink now through 2016. 225 cases made." - HS

The nose of Washington marrionberries, vanilla and cedar is loaded from attack to finish aided by a glycerin weight and supple texture. The merlot dominates the young palate with cab franc offering grip and fragrance.

Pedestal Merlot 06
$51.95/$46.76

Wine Spectator 93 points

"Dark and spicy, with a tarry edge to the blackberry and currant fruit, emerging on the never-ending finish with richness, polish and elements of spice, pepper and an extra whoosh of cherry. It all keeps sailing effortlessly. Best from 2011 through 2018." - HS

While it's labeled Merlot, the Pedestal is really a Merlot-based Bordeaux blend with 8% Cabernet, and 4% each Petit Verdot and Malbec. The project of world-famous Pomeral consultant Michel Rolland, the Pedestal is an outstanding example of Washington wine.

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