Friday Sips

2011 OWEN ROE ABBOT'S TABLE RED
$20.99 BTL./$251.88 CASE

Once again Owen Roe scores again with the new release of the Abbot's Table Red. An exciting approach is occurring with this wine. Out of fashion is the 15+ percent alcohol version and in is a wine that's 13% alcohol which is full of balance, character and no shortage of intensity. Also gone is the use of American oak, the 2011 is aged entirely in neutral French barrels. A revert back to the Zin-base is here, too – the blend is 45% Zinfandel, 33% Sangiovese, 15% Blaufrankisch, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec. The core of fruit on the nose is impressive, however the detail of place and grape varietals is immaculate. Brilliant high-wire act aromas of blackberry interspersed with morello cherry, savory herbs, licorice and a mélange of exotic spices. Flavorful, mouth-coating yet maintaining a harmonious underbelly of vibrancy and smoothness. Succulent and alluring from its bursting start all the way to the finely-formed finish, this perennial Northwest favorite is sure to dazzle.