2008 Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA 750ml
Aged in mainly American oak barrels with just enough French oak in the mix, keeps the palate perched between vanilla and eucalyptus. Warm toast floats pleasantly on the nose, dark black cherry on the palate with a earthy grilled mushroom finish. Penetration is a woody wine with a solid oak presence. Blackened prime rib covered with butter sautéed mushrooms with garlic mash potatoes and creamed broccoli would fit the bill for this wine.
2009 Naked Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA 750ml
The 2009 Merlot demonstrates early notes of cherry giving way to a blast of ripe plum underlying hints of chocolate round out a surprisingly complex Merlot with soft tannins at the finish. Naked is their best selling wine. Stripped of traditional attitudes, only the free-spirited grapes go into this voluptuous wine. A pasta with sun dried tomatoes, spicy Italian sausage in a light vodka cream sauce to make this pairing complete.
2010 Vixen Syrah, Rogue Valley 750ml
2010 yields were lower than in typical years, due in part to early season weather conditions and crop thinning near season's end. That being said, the harvest delivered high quality fruit, with characteristics of full phenolic ripeness, concentrated flavors and balance. Vixen is characterized by her very dark beautiful color. This is a big Syrah, with smoky, red raspberry and early season black cherry on the nose. Earthy tones with light tannins on the palate with toast and coffee bean on a medium long finish. A reserve white cheddar or perhaps parmigiano reggiano with slices of Italian salami would do nicely with this wine.
2008 Missionary Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA 750ml
2008 had a colder than normal spring which meant a delayed harvest. Luckily, dry autumn conditions prevailed to realize perfect fruit, with even ripeness and full flavors. This big cab has a smooth and round mouth feel. Time on oak and in the bottle was well spent as this wine offers a sweet progression of fruit, leading to an exceptionally long finish with supple tannins. This Missionary is a perfect accompaniment for pasta Bolognese or Puttanesca.