2005 Lost River Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA 13.9%, $24
An unusual cabernet for these here parts from a winery that isn't trying to make textbook wines: very savory nose and palate with roasted meats, green olives and herbs dominating the black fruit. Dry finish with gritty tannins. Bob commented, astutely, that it reminded him more of a young Crozes Hermitage than any cabernet he's had recently, and I can see why. Interesting, but wouldn't purchase again.
2005 Kennedy Shah Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills, WA, 14.5%, $13 (Costco)
New winery to me. This was a very interesting wine on Day One, with an even balance of red and black fruit on a medium frame, good acidity and little heat despite the alcohol content. But on Day two, when many a remaining two inches in a casually re-corked thirteen dollar bottle fail, it was even MORE interesting. It had a "ooh wow!" kind of nose with captivatingly different flowers and tea scents, no mocha, and a better filled out midpalate. It's not like any WA merlot I've ever had, and it drinks well above its price. A reading of the label revealed why: it contains 12% petite verdot and 8% malbec. The combination's quite fetching and this wine should improve with short-term cellaring--I'm guessing up to five more years.
2005 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir V, Grande Assemblage Cuvee, Dundee, OR, 13.5%, $25 at the winery
One of the best bargains in Oregon at $25 from one of the more Burgundian pinot noir makers I've had wines from. That is, Joe Dobbes coaxes more complexity out of a grape than most, and his wines have lovely acidity and balance without heavy extract or noticeable oak. This is another bottle started Friday night and finished Saturday that survived casual care and yet sung even more brightly. I like his wines SO much I'm even thinking about joining the club. His syrahs and whites (especially the viognier) are just as good.