Robert Karl

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Robert Karl 2005 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $29

This is Washington Syrah at its most distinctive. The fruit stands out with tart and tangy flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and a tartness reminiscent of cranberry. There are streaks of meat, smoke and bacon, and the acids are clean. This is a glorious food wine, but so juicy, assertive and delicious that it almost demands to be drunk on its own. Will it evolve in… — P.G. (3/1/2008)

points

Robert Karl 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $26

The blend is 90% Cab, 5% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc. Dense, firm and muscular, hinting at layers of cassis, berry, cherry, cranberry and more. A dark, rich and thick wine, layered with red and black fruits. The tannins are fine-grained and mouthcoating, and the fruit is intense with streaks of smoke, anise, herb, soy and baking chocolate. Complex and richly, densely… — P.G. (4/1/2006)

points

Robert Karl 2003 Inspiration Reserve Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $45

All of the best barrels are in here, and it shows. This limited (75 case) Bordeaux blend is wonderfully concentrated with sweet, stiff, sappy fruit, Juicy in the mouth, but tightly wound, it is fleshed out with buttery oak flavors of vanilla, toast and caramel. Young, hard and a little bit hostile, this needs major decanting; or stick it away and let it blossom for… — P.G. (11/15/2006)

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Robert Karl 2004 Inspiration Reserve Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $45

Dr. Joe Gunselman’s wines consistently show polish and verve, and this is always the best of them. There are streaks of every conceivable red fruit, a layer of chocolate, a whiff of coffee, a lick of butterscotch and plenty of vivid acids. The wine is sleek and yet powerful, and the flavors suggest layering which in turn suggests complexity and a long life ahead. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

points

Robert Karl 2006 Inspiration Reserve Red Wine (Horse Heaven Hills)

Price $45

A five-grape Bordeaux blend, this is the darkest and most dense of all the current Robert Karl reds. Raspberries, Bing cherries and cassis gather into a slightly liquorous core, with nuanced notes of black olive and wood smoke. The tannins are refined and ripe, but the sweet and pretty fruit holds center stage. — P.G. (5/1/2010)

points

Robert Karl 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $33

All McKinley Springs (Horse Heaven AVA) Vineyard Cab. Tight, austere and severe in its purity, it shows cassis, plum and cherry fruit. Herbal, lightly dusty, varietal and firm; with hard, true tannins. At this stage it is less complete and concentrated than the regular bottling, but with a classy Cabernet feeling. this wine may surprise with its ageworthiness. Just… — P.G. (4/1/2006)

points

Robert Karl 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

Cellar Selection

Price $30

Pure varietal, this captures the house style perfectly, with a ripe blend of brambly berries set against crisp natural acids. Almond candy and chocolate graham cracker flavors appear, reflecting 28 months in 75% new oak barrels. The transition to the silky finish brings a refreshing minerality. — P.G. (5/1/2010)

points

Robert Karl 2008 Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills)

Online Exclusive

Price $26

This and the ’09 may be the last Syrahs until a new planting is made. Scents of violets, cassis, tobacco and licorice create cross currents that swirl around the palate, along with tangy, tasty blueberry fruit. Tight and densely layered, this is a sleek, well-crafted effort that finishes with a spicy kick. — P.G. (7/1/2011)

Most Reviewed Designations

Claret Claret Red Wine Gunselman Bench Vineyard Inspiration Reserve Inspiration Reserve Red Inspiration Reserve Red Wine Reserve

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Claret Malbec Meritage Merlot Red Blend Sauvignon Blanc Syrah

2010 Center of Effort

A big, strong Pinot with pure, focused flavors of raspberry cream…

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