DuBrul Vineyard Merlot
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, rosemary-infused beef tenderloin
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the iconic DuBrul Vineyard in Washington's Yakima Valley, Owen Roe's DuBrul Vineyard Merlot is a masterclass in the heights that Washington Merlot can achieve. Planted in 1992 by Hugh and Kathy Shiels on a steep, south-facing hillside of rocky basalt soils, DuBrul is widely considered one of the state's premier grand cru-level vineyards. The unique terroir, characterized by ancient volcanic soils and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, imparts a distinctive mineral tension and structural complexity to the grapes. Owen Roe honors this exceptional fruit through minimal-intervention winemaking, employing small-batch fermentations and aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a sophisticated expression of Merlot, offering a harmonious balance of lush dark fruit, refined tannins, and a savory, earth-driven complexity that challenges the traditional boundaries of the varietal.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 1999 by winemaker David O'Reilly and co-founder Jerry Owen, Owen Roe is a highly acclaimed Pacific Northwest winery dedicated to producing exceptional, terroir-driven wines from Washington and Oregon. Named after the historic 17th-century Irish patriot Owen Roe O'Neill, the winery operates its estate vineyard and production facility at 309 Shipley Rd, Granger, WA 98932, United States, in the heart of the Yakima Valley, while sourcing fruit from legendary sites like DuBrul, Red Willow, and Seven Hills. Owen Roe's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, utilizing small-batch fermentations and meticulous French oak aging to craft expressive, structurally complex wines. They are particularly celebrated for their bold, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, northern Rhône-style Syrahs like Ex Umbris, and creative blends such as Sinister Hand and Abbot's Table. More information can be found on their official website at https://www.owenroe.com.