David O’Reilly and his wife Angelica, who founded Owen Roe in Yakima Valley, have launched a new winery called Rocks of Bawn. According to the winery’s website, “The story behind Rocks of Bawn is rooted in the historical struggle and resilience of the Irish people. Inspired by the popular Irish folk song, Rocks of Bawn pays homage to the determination of those who faced hardship on the rocky west coast of Ireland”.

2020 SHAFTS AND FURROW

Comprised of Bordeaux Varietals grown on select sites in the Columbia Valley this wine is full-bodied and delicious. After a few hours of your nose on the grindstone this wine will deliver much needed enjoyment and satisfaction.

88% of the blend is from Merlot grown in the Royal Slope AVA at Frenchman Hills Vineyard — this site is high elevation and contributes bright fruit and natural acidity with the balance of the Merlot much fulller bodied and rich from the Southwind Vineyard in Walla Walla. Cabernet Sauvignon is 6% but overdelivers with plenty of power and tannins from Red Mountain and the Horse Heaven Hills growing areas. The remainder of this approachable Red Wine is 4% Cabernet Franc from the iconic Red Willow Vineyard in the far west end of Yakima Valley with a spicy 2% Malbec.

Again, delicious now but will become even more approachable after a couple more years of cool cellaring.