One of the most popular ways to buy wine in the Seattle area, Full Pull is an online retailer formed by Paul Ziterelli. A few years back Paul had the brilliant idea to commission Morgan Lee to make wines that reflect individual blocks in a parcel, forming Block Wines and selling the wines through Full Pull. I have been really impressed with what he has churned out, whether it is finesse-driven Semillon to stony Syrah.
Morgan Lee of Two Vintners fame has a minimal interventionist style of winemaking. He uses oak wisely and crafts wines that have good freshness and terroir. I love the new 2019 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has amazing aromatic and flavor range that screams Rocks Syrah. I adored the 2018 Block Wines ‘Block 1 Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) which shows good restraint and has some solid aging potential. Wines from the Discovery Vineyard are becoming more and more impressive and this is one brilliant new wine from there. Learn more about these wines at http://www.blockwines.com/ and here are the brilliant new releases by Full Pull and Block Wines
2019 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- Located in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the ‘Stones Speak Vineyard’ is farmed by Richard Funk and planted to Syrah on now relatively medium-aged vines. One whiff and you’ll instantly get that ‘Rocks’ character with wet stone, Umami, teaberry and blood orange zest with a lighter core of saline drenched red fruits. The palate shows good finesse and salinity, with a brilliant stony character. Ripe, yet not at all jammy, everything is in balance here. Enjoy this great new 2019 Syrah over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Full Pull & Friends ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- This lighter, finesse-driven bottling reveals guava and red currants with orange zest and wet stone on the palate. Almost Pinotesque in terms of its weight and earthy undertones, this is drinking brilliantly right now and will carry on for at least another five years. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2019 Starside Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Starside Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding value from the Columbia Valley. The sense of finesse is really nice as ripe dark currants and tobacco leaf flavors mingle with shades of milk chocolate on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 90
2018 Block Wines ‘Block 1 Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the ‘Discovery Vineyard’ has slowly been making a really strong reputation for balanced, and downright delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. This edition by Block Wines exudes both with refined tannins and a good core of dark fruits with pipe tobacco, sagebrush and flinty undertones. Enjoy this beautiful and elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92