One of the great Washington value wine brands that still seemingly sneaks under the radar, Nine Hats Nine Hats wines are essentially the second wines made by Long Shadows. They are all handcrafted in Walla Walla by famed winemaker Gilles Nicault. They have made wines that totally overdeliver for the price, even in challenging vintages such as 2020.
Now they even have a terrific line of bubbles. It is fair to say that these wines punch considerably above their weight class and offer some of the best value in Washington wine. These are not one-off wines. The wines have good flavor density, good freshness and are all a downright killer glass pour.
Don’t miss out on the amazing 2021 Nine Hats Syrah (OB, 93) which is essentially a baby Sequel. The same is true for the 2021 Nine Hats Merlot (OB, 93) which is likely the best Merlot I have tasted all year for the price. Learn more about these outstanding wines at ninehatswines.com and here are my reviews of the new Nine Hats wines.
NV Nine Hats ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- This is the first sparkling wine made by Gilles Nicault that is a blend of several vintages. Mainly coming from locations in Zillah, this delivers oyster shell and nutmeg drenched French bread on the nose alongside suggestions of Japanese pear. This takes on the rich mousse with a beautiful sense of effervescence. The palate is fresh and fleshy with a terrific mouthfeel. This is seriously delicious stuff. Drink 2025-2031- 92
NV Nine Hats Rose Sparkling Wine- The NV Nine Hats Rose Sparkling Wine is made from Malbec grapes. This comes off a touch sweet with pretty red cherry and strawberry fruit flavors alongside honeydew melon on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90
2024 Nine Hats Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Nine Hats Chardonnay comes from mainly the Gamache and Boushey vineyards. Stored in a combination of mainly neutral oak alongside concrete and a touch of new French oak barrels this delivers juicy pear and brioche notes alongside shades of toasted pineapple. This is super stuff for under 20 bucks. Bright, juicy and delicious, enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2025-2030- 91
2021 Nine Hats Sangiovese- The 2021 Sangiovese by Nine Hats is beautifully aromatic, offering black tea and worn leather notes with red rose petals and tart cranberry. This totally over-delivers for the price, offering a gorgeous range of red fruits and orange rind with good tension and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2025-2031- 93
2021 Nine Hats Merlot- The 2021 Nine Hats Merlot is essentially a baby Pedestal — loaded with chocolate cake, black currants and anise flavors that parade with copious minerals on the palate. Neatly textured, smooth and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2021 Nine Hats Syrah- This 2021 Nine Hats Syrah has a large amount of Grenache (10%) blended in. Inky in the glass, this shows off smoke and beef drippings alongside shades of underbrush on the nose. The palate is plush and rich with a great sense of decadence and underlying tension. At 25 bucks, this could easily be double the price. Enjoy this beauty while you can. Drink 2025-2032- 93
2021 Nine Hats Malbec- Inky in the glass, the 2021 Nine Hats Malbec mainly comes from the Weinbau Vineyard and has a large amount of Syrah blended in. Creosote, black licorice and creme de violette combines with shades of mountain huckleberry on the nose. The palate is seamless and beautifully-textured, showing serious weight and underlying freshness. Drink 2025-2033- 93