Henry Estate 2004 Henry V

Wow, it's been a while since we have posted. With the excitement of the new year, getting back into the swing of work after the holidays and travel, the blog has fallen to the wayside a little. Well, no more, my viticulturally-blessed friends!


Tonight I sit after a long Friday at the office sipping on a glass of Henry Estate 2004 Henry V. This wine is a red blend, primarily Cab Sauv (53%) with Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec rounding out the balance. Henry Estate is a family-run winery in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon, not far from Roseburg. A colleague grew up near the winery and had been telling me about it for months...but it wasn't until she brought me back a few bottles recently did I venture into their portfolio.

The Henry V has a spicy and smoky nose on it with a gorgeous red hue. To be honest I've become a bit nonplussed with blends lately after some delicious single-varietal wines, but there will always be the right time and place to crack open the perfect marriage of the larger red varietals in one bottle. The Henry V has renewed my hope in blends. Subtle, but not too subtle, the composition has a lingering finish preceded by hints of cigar and berries. Imagine a great cab sauv toned down a bit, making it perfectly appropriate to drink by itself or with a nice red meat dinner.

All in all, a great wine...and I suspect next time I'm down in the Southern Oregon area I'll stop by the estate. This one gets a "recommend" in my book. Thanks Shelly!

Coming soon keep your eyes open for the much ballyhooed holiday wine dinner pairing feature. Until then, cheers!