Owen Roe - How you swoon me...

Well, 2011 was a great year! I tried some amazing wine and had some fantastic experiences with some fellow winos. One of the things I learned this past year, and highly recommended to you, is to taste Owen Roe Winery from Washington. I have not had a bad wine from them yet. They really have a tasty line! Here are some of my favorites to keep me warm in the winter:

• Yakima Valley Red Blend 2009 (59% Merlot / 24% Cabernet Franc / 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, $42): Aromas of red flowers, red and black plums, cranberry sauce and blackberry currant. Flavors of tart red cherries, blueberry cobbler, and raspberry give way to a balanced tannins and finish with warm, lingering Madagascar vanilla and black licorice. The winery states, "It smells like Merlot, drinks like Cabernet Franc and finishes like Cabernet Sauvignon!" Drink now or age this seductive wine for 10-20 years.

• Sinister Hand 2009 (75% Grenache/20% Syrah/3% Mourvedre/2% Counoise, $24): Aromas of beautiful wild strawberry, black pepper with red and black currant notes. Leads into the palate with satisfying acid that provides ripe black fruit finish.

• Syrah Ex Umbris 2009 (100% Syrah, $24): Amazing scents of Bing cherry pie, green peppercorns and molasses. Rich, warm flavors of strawberries, dark plum and dates expand on the palate and finish with black licorice. Although this drinks like a Syrah should, big tannins and heavy fruit it comes across delicate and subtle. Drink now through 2016.

Sláinte and Happy New Year! TCW