Winemaker Lisa Warr-King Packer works with notable growers around Washington to produce blends and single varietals. She coaxes immense character and depth from wines made in small lots, often complexly blended with fruit from up to four different AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), particularly Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope and Royal Slope AVAs, as well as the Columbia Valley.
Lisa and her husband, Alan Packer, have built a strong following since first launching the Woodinville-based winery in 2013. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the craft are evidenced in the latest round of nuanced releases. It’s not unusual to catch Lisa or Alan fraternizing with visitors at the Woodinville Warehouse Winery District tasting room.
Warr-King Wines
19501 144th Ave NE, Ste D-700
Woodinville WA
Phone (425) 558-3994 or visit online at www.warr-kingwines.com.
Below are five releases we recently reviewed:
Warr-King Wines 2017 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Lisa Warr-King Packer sourced this Cabernet from two of Red Mountain’s top growers, Kiona Vineyard and Quintessence. Rich and finely structured, with powdery tannins encased by deep flavors of plump Amarena cherry and black currant, accompanied by dark chocolate, graphite, and baking spice notes that round out the finish. $45
Warr-King Wines 2018 Progeny
92 pts.
Though youthful and tightly focused now, this Bordeaux red blend shows stellar finesse and sophistication. Polished flavors of blackberry, cassis and cherry align with undercurrents of violet, cocoa and crushed pebbles. The structure is impeccable from front to finish leaving a lasting, seamless impression. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot sourced from Kiona, Quintessence, Weinbau and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. $47
Warr-King Wines 2018 Cabernet Franc
92 pts.
Expressive and elegant, displaying a vivid core of raspberry preserves layered with dark cherry and baker’s chocolate. Gravelly loam notes pick up midpalate, building good weight with a boost of firm tannins and flowing acidity that keep it energetic. $40
Warr-King Wines 2018 Descendant
91 pts.
This Bordeaux varietal red wine leans predominantly Cabernet Franc, blended with Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Red fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry echo on the minerally-driven palate with blackberry and blueberry expressions. Restrained accents of vanilla, baking spice and pencil shavings extend the focused finish. Sourced from Quintessence, Stillwater Creek, Rosebud and Weinbau Vineyards. $40
Warr-King Wines 2019 Gamache Vineyard Roussanne
91 pts.
Shows aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and tangerine essence, with an unctuous mouthfeel adorned with rich layers of apricot, pear and apple. This fuller-bodied version is augmented with citrus oil, vanilla bean and brioche on the long creamy finish. $28