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)
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
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
