Northwest Palate | July/August 2008

Northwest Cellars

2005 Intrigue, Columbia Valley

The herbal-focused nose includes dried sage and grass, plus notes of leather and dried dark fruit. On the palate bright brambly black fruit flavors are plush with earthy accents of pine boughs. The savory qualities are mitigated by good fruit concentration and chocolate on the finish. Well balanced, the tannins compensate for the lushness of the fruit. Drink with green peppercorn steak. Good value. (50% Merlot, 28% Syrah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; 1,000 cases made.)