O-S Owen Sullivan R3

SALE - was $40 - Save $9.05

Bill Owen uses a special approach with the R3. "Every year," he said, "if it reminds me of Catherine Deneuve, I stop blending. The parts are different every year. I've made it since '98, and the consistence is mind-boggling in terms of flavor and texture... This is the most beautifully feminine wine that men just love. I try to have a fair amount of Cabernet Franc in it every year. It's silky. It is Catherine in her 50s."

The R3, or 3 Reds, is made from 42% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Cabernet Franc. Although young, the R3 was showing intense, silky black cherry and sweet, toasty spice, with lovely dark chocolate on the lengthy finish. According to Owen, this is a beautifully feminine wine that guys love. During blending, when the wine reminds him of Catherine Deneuvre, it's ready. (2003 vintage received 93 points from Wine Spectator)

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Wine Spectator rating 93 points for 2003 vintage. (review in July 2005 issue): "Exotic' is the word for this big red--- A Merlot based Bordeaux blend with wideranging aromatics of spice, incense, fruit, cedar, folowwed by smooth and refined flavors of blueberry and black currant fruits, with a touch of toasted espresso bean in the firm finish." -HS

From the winery: " beautiful combination of finesse and power, this vintage of R3 leads with black cherry and raspberry aromas, follows with a rich, velvety texture and reveals a flavorful, complex palate of blackberries, loganberries, cherries and dark chocolate. Its lengthy finish is carried on solid soft tannins. Drink now through 2015."

Wine Spectator 92 points for 02 vintage: "Ripe, rich and almost flamboyant, with its currant, blueberry, plum and exotic spice aromas and flavors sashaying through the thin veils of fine tannins. A spectacular mouthful that should only gain with cellaring. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2010." -H.S.

"From their jury-rigged winery in a nondescript business park near Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Bill Owen and Rob Sullivan are making some of Washington's plushest and headiest reds... They make small lots that just keep getting better with each vintage..." - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator