Red Willow Vineyard Sangiovese
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2030
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted duck, grilled lamb chops
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the legendary Red Willow Vineyard in the far western edge of Washington's Yakima Valley, this Sangiovese is a testament to the pioneering spirit of grower Mike Sauer and winemaker David O'Reilly. Red Willow is renowned for its steep, south-facing slopes and ancient, well-drained soils, which provide an ideal microclimate for challenging Old World varieties. Owen Roe's expression of this classic Tuscan grape marries the bright, high-toned acidity and dusty, earthy tannins of traditional Sangiovese with the vibrant, concentrated red fruit character typical of Washington State terroir. Fermented in small batches and aged in neutral French oak to preserve its varietal purity, this wine captures a beautiful tension between savory herbal notes, sour cherry, and a distinct mineral backbone.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1999 by winemaker David O'Reilly and Jerry McNally, Owen Roe was established with a mission to craft world-class, terroir-driven wines from the premier vineyard sites of the Pacific Northwest. Named in honor of the 17th-century Irish patriot Owen Roe O'Neill, the winery operates estate facilities and sources fruit spanning both Washington's Columbia and Yakima Valleys and Oregon's Willamette Valley. Owen Roe champions a low-intervention winemaking philosophy, utilizing gentle handling and thoughtful oak integration to articulate the distinctive character of esteemed vineyards such as DuBrul, Red Willow, and Union Gap. The producer is widely celebrated for its nuanced single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, alongside popular and characterful blends like Sinister Hand, Ex Umbris, and Abbot's Table.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Sangiovese