Owen Roe, ‘Lady Rosa’ Syrah, 2005
~$40US, 100% Syrah, DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley, Washington
Luxurious and rich reddish purple. Massive red and black berries on the nose, some ripe plum. A curious lanolin ointment and dried mint components underlying. Mouth-filling body, very round and weighty with an unconscious balance of tannins and acidity. The alcohol nips a little in the midpalate, but the wine is extraordinarily lengthy in the finish. A slight maple-syrup edge speaks of the oak, which adds to the overall delicious impression.
A generous and satisfying wine, hitting that great sweet spot of complexity and accessibility. This wine makes a great case for Washington’s Syrah potential, and portents great things in the next decade as the vines age and mature. Drink now and through the next 2-3 years to enjoy the freshness and poise.