Terry and Kriss Wells began working on their inaugural vintage for Love That Red Winery in 2013, later debuting their first bottles in 2015. The Wells recently transitioned into a larger and more prominent tasting room in Woodinville’s Warehouse District (formerly Sparkman Cellars).
The winery gets its name from a family racehorse that was named after a punchy, bright red Revlon lipstick that Terry’s mother wore in the 1960s. The Wells’ brand is a marriage of two passions that combine the love of world-class red wines with the sport of kings—horseracing.
The wines are skillfully blended, marrying varietals from multiple vineyards that result in delightful complexity. “Most of our wines are a blend of two to four different vineyards,” remarks Terry, noting the focus on forming key partnerships with top vineyards throughout Washington.
Visit: 19501 144th Ave NE, Ste. E-400, Woodinville; 425-463-9014, check website for updated information at www.lovethatredwinery.com
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Love That Red 2015 Race Day Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
This is a stellar showcase of two vineyards, Quintessence and StoneTree. Grounded by lean, muscular tannins, this reserve red is sleek and powerfully structured. Framed with generous blackberry, cassis, violet, graphite, gravel and cacao nibs that stay expressive to the end. $60
Love That Red 2016 Dead Heat Syrah
92 pts.
This gorgeous version is a blend of three premium Yakima Valley vineyards. Alluring aromas of red and black fruit mingle with lovely grilled meat and pencil shavings. Rich and robust, loaded with ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors matched with savory elements of forest floor, rock, earth and iron minerality. The good depth carries long into the finish. $36
Love That Red 2018 Love That Rosé
90 pts.
There’s plenty to love about this GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) style Rosé, gushing with dry flavors of tart raspberry, white cherry, and river rock minerality framed with snappy lemon-lime citrus and floral bouquet, for a clean-cut finish. $20