Originally from Yakima, Washington, Kyle MacLachlan is probably best known for his major role in the hit ‘90s drama, Twin Peaks which has returned to television only this year. Obsessed with Washington wine, MacLachlan relies on the talented hands of Dan Wampfler to craft his wines. I have had many vintages of these limited production wines and the latest releases are as good as any. Both releases come from the exciting 2013 vintage for reds in Washington, which at the time was the warmest vintage on record. Only limited production, MacLachlan produces a limited amount of Cabernet and Syrah each year. He is able to sourced from some of the great vineyards in Washinton, including the DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley.
These new release wines have been held back a bit and are both showing beautiful dark fruits, wonderful viscosity and tension. A downright awesome Syrah is the 2013 Pursued By Bear ‘Baby Bear’ Syrah (WWB, 93) which has gobs of dark fruits and really nice range. This will cellar beautifully for the next decade. Learn more about this awesome project out of Washington at http://www.pursuedbybearwine.com/ Here are the great new wines by actor Kyle MacLachlan and his winery, Pursued By Bear.
2013 Pursued By Bear ‘Baby Bear’ Syrah- This great wine is sourced from both the Phinney Hill Vineyard and the Lewis Vineyards. Showing a dense core the wine reveals aromas of rose water, black cherry compote and Chinese black tea. The aromatics here are really beautiful and show nice purity. Smooth on the mid-palate, the wine shows off bulls blood, black cherry, and Hoisin sauce flavors that connect with a nice mineral edge. Showing a great combination of poise, salinity and range, this gorgeous wine will drink beautifully over the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2013 Pursued By Bear ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This great Cabernet was sourced from the DuBrul Vineyard from the Yakima Valley and the Klipsun Vineyard in Red Mountain. Needing about an hour to settle in the decanter, this wine slowly begins to show aromas of Black Forest cake, and blueberry liquor with sage and sandalwood accents. The weight and richness to this wine is outstanding as this shows a hedonistic edge. Creme de cassis, anise, boysenberry liquor and milk chocolate flavors impress. While obviously dense, this has the structure to cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2017-2030- 93