2008 Sinister Hand

On this label the family crest depiction of a severed left hand tells the story of a rowing competition among the ONeills & the OReillys (Owen Roe was an ONeill). Whoever touched land first after rowing across the lake was rewarded with the land he touched. Lagging behind, one of the kinsfolk grabs his sword to cleave his hand and pitches it ashore to touch land first. He won the land and eventually ruled over it as king. Our primary source for this wine is Dr. Steve Elerding’s vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, where the proximity of the Columbia River is a vital part of the success of these traditional Rhone varietals. This wine is very dark with fruit flavors, pepper and an excellent texture. The blend is 62% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre.