2021 Syrah/ Ex Umbris Owen Roe Bottler
When I first saw this label in Latin, Ex Umbris, I thought this has to be a scared wine! Most wine labels are art works deigned to catch the buyer’s eye. This label is very intellectual, and suggests a purposeful meaning.
Well, I know a few Latin phrases too. Like “et tu, Brute?” from Shakespear’s Julius Caesar; “E Pluribus Unum '' appearing of the Great Seal of the United States, as well as bona fide, ad lib, status qou, and vice versa. So there Mr. Ex Umbris.
This Yakima Valley, WA wine maker, David O’Reilly, has fermented smokey grapes from Washington State wildfires into unique wines. His specialty line is Ex Umbris, meaning from shadow to light/ out of the darkness. This one is a blend of Syrah grapes collected from several different Washington state vineyards.
Dashboard rating Cellar notes:
Taste: The nose is fruity… blending into blackberry. The taste isn’t the smooth Syrah. However, the first pour was very fruity. And then some chocolate, etc. I was expecting a heavier, darker taste. This stuff is good. Taste =2.
Looks: Ex Umbris Syrah has nice legs, which were broken embers. Its color remained a constant deep red. Disappointedly, there were no chard leaves nor burned pomace.
The more telling part of Owen Roe’s marketing was the cork and bottle. The cork was composition, which is a cost savings step down from genuine cork. The bottle was a lighter weight and lighter color density, which is of less cost. Each item is an indicator that the wine wasn’t intended for a long-term cellar life. Looks=2.
Cost: This Washington State Syrah fits nicely in an affordable price point. It is above the basic $15 but under $ 50 per bottle. Cost= 2.
Dashboard Action Decision: There’s everything to like about it. Plus, it would be a nice evening wine to relax watching T, V. I could easily pair it with dinner. Buy I would not buy bottles to put in a wine cellar. Ex Umbris Syrah is a “drink it now” wine. Et Alii
