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.

Henry Estate 2004 Henry V

Wow, it's been a while since we have posted. With the excitement of the new year, getting back into the swing of work after the holidays and travel, the blog has fallen to the wayside a little. Well, no more, my viticulturally-blessed friends!


Tonight I sit after a long Friday at the office sipping on a glass of Henry Estate 2004 Henry V. This wine is a red blend, primarily Cab Sauv (53%) with Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec rounding out the balance. Henry Estate is a family-run winery in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon, not far from Roseburg. A colleague grew up near the winery and had been telling me about it for months...but it wasn't until she brought me back a few bottles recently did I venture into their portfolio.

The Henry V has a spicy and smoky nose on it with a gorgeous red hue. To be honest I've become a bit nonplussed with blends lately after some delicious single-varietal wines, but there will always be the right time and place to crack open the perfect marriage of the larger red varietals in one bottle. The Henry V has renewed my hope in blends. Subtle, but not too subtle, the composition has a lingering finish preceded by hints of cigar and berries. Imagine a great cab sauv toned down a bit, making it perfectly appropriate to drink by itself or with a nice red meat dinner.

All in all, a great wine...and I suspect next time I'm down in the Southern Oregon area I'll stop by the estate. This one gets a "recommend" in my book. Thanks Shelly!

Coming soon keep your eyes open for the much ballyhooed holiday wine dinner pairing feature. Until then, cheers!