Owen Roe Red Willow 1973 Block Cab Sauv 09

Review:

From 36 year-old vines in the now-famous Red Willow Vineyard comes this sophisticated Cabernet. It's much more red than black, showing bright and bursting black cherry and plum, building complexity and intrigue with cedar, tobacco, and milk chocolate on the supple finish.

With a little more air time, the structure shows itself, hinting at what's to come with proper cellar time. I recommend cellaring for 3-5 years, if you can keep your hands off it! - Marcus

2008 Vintage

Wine Spectator 94 points

Supple and inviting, with ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit coursing through a layer of cedar and sassafras, lingering entic- ingly against refined tannins. A graceful wine that should reward cellaring. Drink now through 2018.—H.S.

This is the next Owen Roe wine destined for must-have status. Not much has been written about it. It's only the second vintage. Very few people have tried it - so few cases of the first, 2007 vintage were made. And it's remarkable.

My favorite of the Owen Roe wines since David and I started working together. For collectors of the best of Washington State's Cabs, this is a must have. Compared to his other wines, this is a different take on David O'Reilly's inimitable Owen Roe style - an intriguing combination of flavors and unforgettable perfume.

Velvety and mouth-coating is only the beginning (and actually, it begins with the nose!). Sweet cedar and pipe tobacco show in the aromas and reappear on the finish. Cassis and dark cherry, caramel oak, a hint of eucalyptus builds weight from the front to back of your palate. A melange of spices fans out on the finish and melds with fruit so lush it conceals the almost-hidden structure.

This is fascinating Cabernet - complex and intricate at the time of release, and it should live long - and prosper - in your cellar. Highly recommended and on its way to stardom. - Jean

Like he did with the Dubrul Vineyard before it, David has managed to track down more of the best old vine grapes in the state. The Red Willow Vineyard was first planted in 1973 and this Cab is made from the very oldest block. The trunks of the vines are huge and the yield per vine is very low. David's Wine Spectator 97 point Chapel Block Syrah 08 was made from vines just across from these.

According to vineyard owner and Washington wine pioneer Mike Sauer, David O'Reilly's winemaking is what makes this wine so memorable.

He says, "How David makes the wines turns tannins into magic."

2007 Vintage

Owen Roe 1973 Block Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 07 is an awesome, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon expressed in the varietal's purest, finest form. Its mouthwatering bouquet of incense oak, truffle, saddle leather, cocoa, pencil lead, sweet tobacco, and ripe blackberry bursts from the glass.

Sumptuous, and silky textured, well-structured layers of blackberry and cassis fruit explode in the mouth, with black licorice, bittersweet cocoa, dried flowers, and a hint of eucalyptus adding depth and weight. A 30+ second finish of blackberry jam and smoke adds to its power and breadth. A gorgeous quaff now, though bit tightly wound, we suggest cellaring for 5 years before drinking, and holding for up to 15. This is the first vintage of the 1973 Block for Owen Roe. - Jean

The Owen Roe 1973 Block Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine from the nearly perfect 2007 vintage. Rich components of dark chocolate, anise, vanilla, and sarsaparilla come together in a uniquely elegant and refined texture.

This year marks the debut of our Red Willow 1973 Block Cabernet Sauvignon. With the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Adams, the 1973 block is a beautiful rocky outcropping at an elevation well above the Missoula flood plains. Planted back in 1973, this section of the Sauer's vineyard is some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon in the Yakima Valley and the fruit from these mature vines showcases the unique terroir of this region beautifully. - the winery