Washington State is little known for producing world-class Pinot Noir, a challenging feat anywhere in the world, however Spoiled Dog Winery on Whidbey Island is changing that perception one bottle of Pinot at a time. Founded in 2003 by Jack and Karen Krug, the winery expanded its family roots when second generation members Jake and Lindsay Krug moved to Whidbey with their children from Colorado in 2015.
Karen has long been the brainiac behind the wines at Spoiled Dog. She has been perfecting her hand in the estate vineyard and the cellar for nearly two decades and the results are impressive. Winemaking is her third profession, following careers as an international lawyer and engineer (which involved lots of chemistry). “It seems natural for the integration of art and science in winemaking to be made up of both right and left brain training,” says Karen.
Visit: The winery and tasting room are at 5881 Maxwelton Rd in the small city of Langley, located minutes from the Clinton ferry on the South end of Whidbey Island and one quarter-mile South of Highway 525 at Craw and Maxwelton Rd. Call or text (360) 661-6226 for more information or visit online at www.SpoiledDogWinery.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Spoiled Dog 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, Puget Sound AVA
93 Pts.
This is a blend of six different Pinot Noir clones (clones 667, 777, 113, 115, Pommard and Pinot Noir Precose), all grown on the estate vineyard and aged for 18 months in French oak ranging from new to once used to neutral barrels. The broad mouthfeel and focused structure are instantly engaging, offering rose petal-infused aromas of dark berries and sandalwood that lead to raspberry, cherry and violet flavors accented with earthen minerality, black tea, baking spice and crushed pebbles. Firm tannins back up the long finish. World class in every way. $38
Spoiled Dog 2018 Deception, Yakima Valley AVA
91 Pts.
This proprietary blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec is smooth and suave, delivering brooding aromas of dark stone fruit, dusky spice and mesquite. Tightly wound, with reined-in oak and a beam of acidity streaked with earthy details of violet, sage and fennel that meld onto the elegant finish graced with gentle tannins. $30
Spoiled Dog 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Puget Sound AVA
92 Pts.
Made from three different clones of Pinot Noir (clone 667, clone 777 and Pinot Noir Precose), this Rosé is zesty, with ample weight and steely structure that combine neatly on the supple body. The palate bursts forth with melon, wild strawberry, cherry and apple flavors punctuated with fresh lemon, mineral and white pepper hints that are drawn out on the complex finish. $28