Owen Roe Yakima Red 09

Review:

The Yak is back - and with a freaking vengeance! My go-to Washington blend, Yakima Red has an even brighter nose than the 08, dishing out heady sweet red berries and cedar. Epically tasty, the red velvet flavors remind me of panna cotta with amarena cherries on top, adding that signature caramel note on the finish. Of all the Owen Roe wines, this is the one that I most enjoy selling - it puts a smile on everyone's face. - Marcus

59% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon.

More than any of David's many superlative wines, the Yakima Red shows his interpretation of the valley's style. David has been a trailblazer in Yakima, planting vineyards and restoring neglected sites. The image of Yakima wines has taken almost a 180 degree turn with his spectacular successes. He calls Yakima Red his signature wine. It shows off what he likes best - in his own singular style.

Scents of red and pink flowers, red and black plums, cranberry sauce and blackberry- currant chutney pervade. Flavors of tart red pie cherries, blueberry cobbler, sweet summer barbecue and raspberry turnovers give way to a balanced framework of tannins and finish with warm, lingering Madagascar vanilla and black licorice. In the words of our own Garret: "It smells like Merlot, drinks like Cabernet Franc and finishes like Cabernet Sauvignon!" Drink now or age this handsome wine for 10-20 years. - David

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

2008 Vintage Tasting Notes

Owen Roe Yakima Red 08 - Signature Yakima Red.

Just what do I mean? I know the Yakima Red profile very well, and it goes like this: luscious black cherry meets brighter red berry and deep cassis, delivered in a velvety envelope. Caramel and floral notes mix with toasty spice on the finish, adding complexity. Totally drinkable now, with a nice burst of acidity to balance the sweet fruit.

Our long-time Yakima Red followers (myself included) don't wait for the scores - they scoop up cases of what we know to be one of the tastiest red blends in the country. Nearly equal parts Cab, Merlot, and Cab Franc.

In talking with David O'Reilly he reminded me that the Yakima Red is Owen Roe's flagship wine. All aboard that ship - the Yak is back! - Marcus

33% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc 31%

Vineyards - Red Willow, Elerding, and DuBrul Vineyard, all in the Yakima Valley.

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

Owen Roe Yakima Red 07 - Scoop after scoop of heady red fruit shows in the nose, along with cedar and toasty oak. A seamless entry gushes with red raspberry and cherry, while black cherry and cassis bellow on the low end. Balance is such a simple word but everything is in its place with the 2007. I had this for dinner with roast rack of lamb and a sour cherry reduction, mascarpone polenta and sauteed Italian sweet peppers. For our long-time fans of the Yakima Red, think of this as a combination of 2004 and 2005.

A week ago today I was sitting on the deck overlooking Crater Lake's expansive, deep blue. It's hard to come back from a vacation like that, or any vacation, really. You know what made it better this time? Knowing I had a sample of Owen Roe's 2007 Yakima Red waiting for me.

You might remember the last time I got worked up over Yakima Red - it was the 2005 vintage and I almost drove off the road with enthusiasm while telling Jean how good it was. The 2007 Yakima Red is a return to the style I love. It's that perfect blend of killer aromas, rich fruit, balance and drinkability.

With our years of Northwest wine experience, it's hard to recall another wine that has so much universal appeal. The Yakima Red 07 is almost TOO drinkable after it breathes for a couple of hours. If you plan to cellar some, you might need more than a case. - Marcus

24% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker David O'Reilly is a strong believer in the exceptional winegrape growing conditions of the Yakima Valley of Washington State. While most of the buzz is about Walla Walla, David is quietly proving that Yakima can make some of the NW's best wine.

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

A tiny fraction of 2006 Yakima Red was made, compared to the 2005. Big, ripe, and supple, the 2006 Yakima Red is still structured enough for cellaring. Get some now before it's gone!

The Merlot is from DuBrul Vineyard, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are from Red Willow Vineyard in the cooler, western end of the Yakima Valley. The Yakima Valley Red Wine is designed to showcase that a world-class Merlot and Cabernet Franc based Bordeaux blend can be obtained from this remarkable growing area.

2005 Vintage Tasting Notes

Unforgettable. One of the most intoxicating noses of any red wine I've tried. Heady and luscious black cherry gushes into your senses, complemented by streaks of red berries and cherries, perfectly integrated toast and Yakima earth, smoke, nutmeg, distant roasted coffee, and it still keeps unraveling.

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.

Previous (2004) Vintage received
Wine Spectator 93 Points and "Highly Recommended"

This is incredible juice. 41.4% Cab, 37.9% Merlot, 20.7% Cabernet Franc ---
Decanting recommended for best experience.
A March 2007 Avalon "Big Reds Club" Selection

Amy's notes & food pairings for the Yakima Red 05:
Balanced fruit, acidity, and complexity. Finesse. The smoky note on the nose and finish (as well as a dusky note mixed with pink peppercorn on the second day) would lend itself well to pancetta wrapped squab served with cranberry studded rice or pink peppercorn crusted and seared ahi tuna with grilled fingerling potatoes

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes

The Owen Roe Yakima Red 2004, one of our favorite NW reds, now has a great Wine Spectator score--93 points! AND it's listed in the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED section of the magazine. We've said it's great for months and that's why we sent it to our Big Reds Wine Club. We still have some left, but that won't last long. Stock up for the long haul--the Yakima Red is built for it.

Owen Roe Yakima Red 04 Wine Spectator Review 93 points -- "Crisp and beautifully focused, with gorgeous currant and mineral-accented blueberry flavors that practically explode on the palate, lingering enticingly against zingy, refreshing acidity. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2008 through 2014." H.S.

David is a strong believer in the exceptional winegrape growing conditions of the Yakima Valley of Washington State. While most of the buzz is about Walla Walla, David is quietly proving that Yakima can grow some of the NW's best grapes.

David is passionate about the vineyard, focused with a laser-like precision on finding the right grapes to grow on the right site. He's brought national attention to Yakima's Dubrul and Rosa Mystic Vineyards already, with high scoring wines from both sites in the last issue of Wine Spectator.

We're predicting that by the time people figure out the western Yakima Valley, David will be lightyears ahead of most of them. He's establishing vineyards, working with owners to refine their crops to his standards, and is so sure of the future of the region, he's building a winery there.

The 2004 Yakima Red gives you an opportunity to try his take on the best that western Yakima has to offer. It's a blend of Cabernet Franc, Dubrul Vineyard Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from his new Slide Mountain Vineyard and the Rosa Vineyard's Mystica Block.

David says he's most excited about this wine, of all his 2004's, and the only reason it's still available is that, for some reason, Wine Spectator did not include a review of it in the recent issue that gave the Owen Roe Dubrul Cab 94 points. A 'sleeper", try it before the rating comes out and it instantly disappears.

2003 Vintage Tasting Notes

Wine Spectator rating 91 points for previous vintage. The 2003 Owen Roe Yakima Red is a blend of 45% Dubrul Vineyard Merlot, 34% Rosa Mystical Block Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Rosa Mystical Block Cabernet Franc. According to winemaker David O'Reilly, the 2003 a rich, highly strucutured wine with great complexity, resulting from the severe crop thinning that heat and drought produces in the vineyards.