Making out way towards the end of a great Washington Wine Month for 2017, I wanted to highlight one of the exciting new wineries out of Washington, Eight Bells. The winery only produces 2000 cases per year and is based in the Roosevelt/Ravenna neighborhood of North Seattle. What began as a garage wine experiment, Eight Bells Winery first produced wine in the 2009 vintage. Eight Bells Winery is jointly owned and operated by Tim Bates, Andy Shepherd and Frank Michiels. Tim began making wine in his basement in 1980 with grapes from Sagemoor Farms. Like many who catch the wine bug, this experiment is now something quite serious as all winery owners have completed the WSU viticulture extension program.
I was highly impressed with their new release red wines. Each wine had old world structure and wonderful Washington character. Look for the juicy 2014 Eight Bells Syrah (WWB, 90), a wine with a fantastic mouthfeel and poise. The best wine I reviewed was the 2012 Eight Bells ‘David’s Block’ Red Wine (WWB, 91), which had wonderful depth and impressive layers. Learn more about this winery at 8bellswinery.com Here are the new red wine releases by Eight Bells.
2014 Eight Bellls Syrah- This forward and seductive style Syrah wine has lithe flavors of black cherry, black olive repented, smoked meats, sagebrush and a strong mineral push towards the end. The mouthfeel is really lovely. Drink 2017-2024- 90
2013 Eight Bells Sangiovese- This Sangoivese wine has heady aromatics of smoke, white pepper and black cherry. This leads to flavors of black cherry, sage, black olive and a strong saline and mineral streak on the finish. There is a really nice old world feel to this wine. Drink 2017-2024- 90
2012 Eight Bells ‘David's Block’ Red Wine -This wonderful Washington wine is a blend of six Bordeaux varietals. The red wine begins with highly perfumed aromas of black cherry, blackberry pie and mocha. There are rich flavors of blackberry pie, cassis, coffee grounds and hints of mint. Wirth some mild tannins right now, this will cellar well into the next decade. Be sure to give this at least an hour decant if enjoying right now. Drink 2017-2027- 91