Owen Roe

[mrdutton]

Went to a new locally owned neighborhood restaurant for the second time last night. They had some new additions on their wine list including two new blends using old world grapes.

Interestingly enough I had, earlier in the day, visited my local wine shop to purchase some wines. Part of my discussion with the shop owner revolved around how much I missed seeing GSM (Not Chat Neuf du Pape) on the local shelves. I particulary waxed nostalgic for a bottle of Rosemount GSM which I had not seen locally in many years.

My ears perked right up in the restaurant when our waiter suggested that I try one of the really great new wines from their wine list, specifically Owen Roe Sinister Hand 2006. The waiter when on to explain that it was made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre; specifically 63% 30% and 7% respectively.

This particular brand of juice was selling at $35.00 the bottle, which I later found out is about 2 to 3 dollars higher than retail (on the right hand side of the country, folks.) (Another establishment in Norfolk is selling the same juice for $65.00 the bottle!) (Northwestwine.com is selling the 2006 Sinister Hand at $23.95 the bottle on the left (sinister) hand side of the country.)

This dark, ruby red, wine had a nice feel in my mouth. There was plenty of dark fruit along with some spice and a tannic finish that was not overly bold, but still I could tell the tannin was present. The nose was delicious giving me strong hints of the fruit and the spice.

I thought that the wine's acidity, fruity flavor, pleasing nose and smooth tannic finish were the components of a nicely balanced wine and a darn good one to drink!

Have any of you experienced this juice? If not then I would suggest that you do.

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 10-18-2007).]