I’ve been tasting at Alexandria Nicole for more than a decade and I have found remarkable consistency with their wines. As a limited production, boutique winery, they have two tasting rooms, one in Woodinville, one in Prosser and recently they have opened a tasting room at their Destiny Ridge Vineyard location. They’re probably best known for their fantastic Viognier that is one of the best in the state and also their outstanding ‘Jet Black’ Syrah. They have over 23 varietals planted at their Destiny Ridge Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills — everything from Albarino to Carmenere. Tasting at Alexandria is a relaxed, insightful experience as their tasting room staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Regardless of vintage, they always possess an impressive lineup of red and white wines.
One of the outstanding Viognier bottlings that I have sampled in the past year out of Washington, the 2016 Alexandria Nicole ‘Crawford Vineyard’ Viognier (WWB, 91) is incredibly layered and shows very pretty aromatics that entice. Even better was their sexy and rich 2015 Alexandria Nicole ‘Jet Black’ Syrah (WWB, 92) which combines power and finesse. Learn more about these great wines at http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/ Here are the lovely new releases by Alexandria Nicole.
2016 Alexandria Nicole Chardonnay- This wine was largely aged in neutral oak. This begins with aromatics of pear, red delicious apple and nutmeg elements. There is nice texture to this wine showing of bright pear and vanilla cream flavors. This finishes clean with a touch of heavy whipping cream. Slightly refreshing, this is very well-made. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2016 Alexandria Nicole ‘Crawford Vineyard’ Viognier- This wine was sourced from 82% estate fruit with the remainder was from the Crawford Vineyard. This wine starts with aromas of white peach, nutmeg and a touch of golden delicious apple with orange blossom. This is very pretty aromatically. The wine leads to flavors reminiscent of white peach, Pazzaz apple, orange blossom and lychee. This has a wonderful texture and viscosity. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2015 Alexandria Nicole ‘Shepherd’s Mark’ White Wine- Sourced from the Destiny Ridge Vineyard, this wine is a blend of Viognier and Roussanne and Marsanne. This has a lovely astringency as the wine was aged in stainless steel and reveals white peach, gooseberry and lychee flavors that connect with a touch of green apple. Lithe and delicious, this is an outstanding summer wine. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2014 Alexandria Nicole ‘Gravity’ Merlot- This wine was aged fro 22 months in 30% anew French oak prior to bottling. There is just a touch of Cabernet Franc blended in as the wine begins with aromas of red cherry, dill and red raspberry. There is nice astringency that connects with the red fruits and spice accents. Beautifully textured, this is a great effort by Alexandria Nicole. Drink 2017-2027- 91
2014 Alexandria Nicole ‘Quarrry Butte’ Red Wine- This wine is a five varietal blend that is largely Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 22 months in 45% new French oak, this wine begins with aromas of red fruits that connect with spice cake and oaky elements. This has lovely tension with red fruits and dark fruits singing in harmony. Drink 2017-2024- 90
2015 Alexandria Nicole ‘Jet Black’ Syrah- This inky colored wine begins with aromas of creosote, black olive tapenade and black tea with black cherry. There are oaky elements as well as the wine was aged for 19 months in 40% new French oak prior to bottling. Black tea, Turkish coffee, black cherry cough syrup flavors impress. This is a gorgeous and terroir driven effort. This has pretty awesome acidity considering the obvious heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2014 Alexandria Nicole ‘Little Big Man’ Petite Verdot- The ‘Little Big Man’ was aged for 17 months in mostly French oak prior to botlling. This deep colored wine begins with aromas of dried herbs, black tea, white pepper and a touch of milk chocolate. Lithe and polished, the wine showcases deep flavors of blackberry cobbler, sagebrush, black olive and coffee grounds, showing excellent range. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2014 Alexandria Nicole ‘Alderdale’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine is 100% estate fruit from the Destiny Ridge Vineyard. The wine was aged for 24 months in 90% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine begins with aromas of black olive, creme de cassis and anise with sagebrush accents. The palate is lithe and displays delicious flavors of black tea, blackberry cobbler, and a graphite edge. This is a long ager that will drink beautifully for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 92