Best Buy! In the economic aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, then-Oregon vintner David O’Reilly reached out to Washington growers who were struggling to find buyers for their grapes. Now that he’s moved to the Yakima Valley and purchased two sizable vineyards, he can source much closer to home. In the world of accountants, this ranks as a cash flow wine, yet for those who appreciate Cabernet Sauvignon in its more rustic forms, this vintage holds special appeal. There’s not much influence from oak as the nose hints at cherry, president plum and red currant as well as saddle leather and alfalfa. The structure continues to lean toward high-toned red fruit with dashes of pomegranate, cherry candy and currant. It finishes with racy acidity, light-to-medium tannins, a splash of drip coffee and a pinch of oregano.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 18,965 cases
Alcohol: 13%
For the $ Sharecropper is the best red of any I’ve had in a long time