It has now been several years since I have written about one of the outstanding outposts in Woodinville, Brian Carter Cellars. Obviously we are in the midst of the pandemic, but Brian Carter has had some significant accomplishments over the years. Brian has worked over 40 vintages in Washington State. For years I very much enjoyed visiting their tasting room in Woodinville, particularly seeing how he has captured the art of blending wines that are atypical but delicious renditions of Washington red and white wines.
Having an illustrious history in the wine industry, Brian studied microbiology at Oregon State University, where he discovered his appreciation for the wines of Oregon. After two years at the University of California-Davis School of Enology, Brian honed his winemaking then worked sat esteemed California houses Mount Eden Vineyard and Chateau Montelena. He longed to start his own project and founded Brian Carter Cellars back in 2006, first making his own wine in 1997.
Brian clearly has a firm handle on white blends. For years I have enjoyed his ‘Oriana’ and the 2018 Brian Carter ‘Oriana’ White Wine (OB, 91) is fresh and beautifully textured with lovely range. This wine would pair with a dazzling array of foods, from fresh fish to poultry. I love the 2014 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Le Coursier’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is now at the six year mark showing a very soft mouthfeel from the Merlot and gorgeous black fruits with mocha tones. This wine is really getting into its sweet spot. Learn more at briancartercellars.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Brian Carter.
2018 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Oriana’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘Oriana’ blends Viognier (49%) with Roussanne (41%) and the remainder Riesling. The wine comes off really novel with orange blossom, green papaya and sweetened melon flavors. Full-bodied with a great sense of texture, enjoy this beautiful new wine over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2016 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Tuttorosso’ Red Wine- Mostly Sangiovese, this shows rich plum and baking spice tones on the nose alongside raspberry coulis and tobacco leaf — all offering intrigue. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great mouth-watering acidity. Rich red and dark fruits parade with citrus rind, tobacco and earthy undertones. Beautifully textured, this is fantastic now, as the 2016 ‘Tuttorosso’ will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2015 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Byzance’ Red Wine- A Grenache dominant (54%) Rhone style blend, this shows forward red fruits with baking spice tones and a soft mouthfeel. This might not have have the most complexity, but it is really delicious now at the five year mark. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2014 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Le Coursier’ Red Wine- A blend of 58% Merlot with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this shows a very soft mouthfeel. Rich dark currants and sandalwood tones combine with mocha, tar and leather on the palate. Gorgeous now, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2017 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Big Daddy’ Red Wine- An ode to the Douro, this blends mostly Touring Nacional (56%) with smaller parts Souzao, Tinto Cao and Tinta Roriz. As the name suggests, this holds a really sturdy mouthfeel but also shows a good veil of tension. Intense black fruits and violets mingle with espresso bean tones on the palate. Glorious now, this will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 91
2014 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Opulento’ Port Style Wine- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, this delicious Port style wine shows seriously good flavor range from toffee and dark chocolate to Turkish coffee, blackberry cordial and sweetened Earl Grey tea flavors. Not for the weary, this excellent and complex wine will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92