Sinister Hand | 2015 | $26.99 | 90 Points

Fall is here, sounding the alert in craniums for people to start drinking full-bodied red vino (although, I drink hearty reds all year).

The Sinister Hand from our friends at Owen Roe becomes increasingly popular as the leaves turn – a perfect transitional wine to ease you from summer to autumn.  The soft tannins and bright raspberry notes of Grenache says summer is still kinda here but fleeting, while the richness of Syrah starts to prepare your palate for robust wine, harvest meals, and evenings around the fire.

Help yourself to the bounty of our Owen Roe wine harvest while you can, like many other seasonal consumables, once Sinister Hand is gone, it won’t be back until next year.

– Jason Wine & Beer Mgr.

From www.owenroe.com:

Sinister Hand 2015

This generous fusion of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsaut is easily approachable while displaying undeniable complexity.  The Grenache portion of the blend contributes cranberry and raspberry candied fruit notes, while the Syrah fragment delivers darker fruits and savoury characteristics.  Mourvedre enhances the structure and richness of the body and provides delicate aromas of violets.  Our partially carbonic macerated Cinsaut brings liveliness and tropical fruit flavors to the blend.

THE STORY

Long ago, during the 17th century, the O’Neills and O’Reillys were two revolutionary Irish families. They formed a rowing competition to reserve rights to some highly regarded land.  The two rowing teams agreed that the first to touch the land, after rowing across the lake, would become ruler of the land. O’Neill’s boat was falling behind so a member of the crew grabbed his own sword, cut off his hand and threw it ashore, winning the title to rule the land. This land still remains in the family.

VINIFICATION

• 44% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre, 13% Cinsaut
• Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels and 70% neutral

Stephen Tanzer | 90 Points

This lively, perfumed Washington State blend of southern French varieties of fers musky scents of candied red berries, wild herbs, violet and cedar. It’s juicy, savory and persistent, with compelling spicy/herbal lift to its dark cherry flavor. Some fruit from cool Columbia Gorge adds verve.   – Stephen Tanzer