Wine & Spirits Northwest | Oct 2008

90 Points

Northwest Cellars 2005 Columbia Valley Intrigue

(Bordeaux Style Red Blend)

This juicy, forward blend consisting of about one half merlot, with the balance mostly syrah and cabernet, leads with strawberry aromas accented by a spiced peppercorn note. After a day a deeper herbal component – tanbark, sassafras – appears, complementing flavors of black cherry and plum. Firm but pleasingly light, it’s a generous wine for a late-season barbecue.