2005 Reserve Barbera from Barnard Griffin

After weeks on hiatus, and many bottles of wine later, I am returning to the computer for the purposes of sharing with all, the joys of a delicious treat a friend shared with me this evening. Coming home tonight, a dinner of creamy pasta primavera with fresh from the store veggies was started for us. Three bottles of wine were taken off the shelf from which to choose for the evening's fare: an Erath Dolcetto (an old favorite), a Griffin Creek Tempranillo (extremely enticing), and the subsequently chosen bottle of Barnard Griffin Reserve Barbera.

Upon first tasting this wine, after a thorough decanting, I noticed a distinct raisiny flavor that hit the palette followed by some notes of cinnamon and citrus. After a while on the palette the raisin notes were replaced by a lingering flavor of cinnamon and other spices. This is an easy drinking wine that I will certainly be on the lookout for in the future, and for only $24.99 plus shipping Barnard Griffin will ship a bottle to you.

Barnard Griffin is a family owned and operated winery located on the east side of Washington state in Richland. Those who know me know I enjoy the varietals found only in the dry climates of southern Oregon and eastern Washington. For this reason, Barnard Griffin is one of my favorites, and atop the list of eastern Washington Wineries that I plan to visit in the coming spring and summer months.

Barnard Griffin 2004 Syrah

Are you looking for a nice syrah for under $20? Barnard Griffin's 2004 Syrah is the wine for you. Barnard Griffin is probably my favorite Eastern Washington winery, located near the Yakima River in Richland. Now, I grew up in Richland but unfortunately was under the legal age for enjoying wine at the time. I'm really digging where the industry is going in the Tri-Cities when I visit my family.

Barnard Griffin buys all of their fruit--and Rob Griffin, the winemaker, attributes much of his success to sourcing great fruit. They produce both tulip labels and reserve wines, and while the reserve are definitely the cream of the crop, tulip label wines are very respectable and reasonably priced.

For the 2004 Syrah, the nose has plum and blackberry notes with rich, full-bodied flavors. The grapes for this wine came from the Wahluke Slope, Columbia Gorge, and Columbia River areas capitalizing on the high heat climate of the Columbia Valley. We cracked it open with a nice steak and next thing we knew, the bottle was gone.

Next time you are in the local wine store, pick up a bottle. Even better, if you happen to find yourself in Richland--stop by the tasting room. They are quite hospitable.