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Wine Blogging Wednesday #34 - Barnard Griffin 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is my first time participating on Wine Blogging Wednesday, a big thank you to Catie our host at http://www.wildwallawallawinewoman.blogspot.com/.

Those of you who know me or have read my previous posts, know that I am partial to Barnard Griffin Wines located in Richland, Washington. I started enjoying Barnard Griffin wines in 1997 when they first opened their tasting room. It is also a coincidence that I recently moved closer to the winery, now just 3 minutes away - how convenient.

The winemaker at Barnard Griffin is Rob Griffin. He started making wine in Washington 30 years ago for Preston Cellars. He was also the winemaker for the Hogue winery until about 1991. Rob has made his own Barnard Griffin label since 1983. Every year he receives numerous accolades for his wines. His 2004 Merlot with the tulip label has received a total of 11 tasting event awards! But this posting is not about Merlot.

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious Cabernet, especially easy to enjoy at the price of $15 at the local grocer (sometimes less on sale). This is the "tulip label" Cabernet with the colorful tulips on the label. Washington had a near perfect growing season in 2005 - beautiful ripe grapes developed during a warm, long growing season. Many of us have waited in anticipation of the 2005 releases. And the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon does not disappoint. You'll be greeted by a big mouthful of flavors, black currant, cherry and some vanilla too, very dry with nice tannins and a strong finish - hmm, bit tacky on the teeth, love it. Plenty of structure to this wine so it should drink well for a while.

Did I mention that this wine is only $15? There are no unpleasant qualities to this wine, except knowing past vintages, I suspect it will drink even better this Fall. Go my friends and track this wine down, drink and enjoy. Highly recommended - drink it now - and set some aside for enjoying later in the year.

The other Washington Cabernet Sauvignon I would have recommended is sold out - Barnard Griffin 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - if you can find it buy it. Their 2005 Reserve Cabernet is not yet released.

I checked with the winery and they produced 5,000 cases of their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, so you may have this wonderful Washington Cab. in town - for a list of distributors check out their web site, http://www.barnardgriffin.com/

Cheers!
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