While it doesn’t meet the Meritage criteria as his most expensive wine, Yakima Valley champion David O’Reilly devotes fruit from some of Washington’s top vineyards to the flagship offering under his iconic Owen Roe brand. DuBrul, Red Willow, Eldering and O’Reilly estate plantings Outlook and Union Gap make up this Right Bank-style blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent 10 months in French oak and nearly two years in bottle leading up to this presentation of black raspberry, plum and cassis with lavender and licorice. There’s delicious acidity to balance the lofty approach of fine-grained tannins, making this a food-friendly red. O’Reilly’s team suggests serving it with a smoked ribeye.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 4,000 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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