Veteran winemaker Brian Carter has been crafting his proprietary blends for a remarkable 43 years in Washington. In 2022, he moved his former Woodinville tasting room where he had operated for many years and relocated in exciting new surroundings in Woodin Creek Village closer to downtown Woodinville. The Village location boasts a full kitchen and bistro pairing menu. It’s within strolling distance to nearly 20 other wineries and restaurants dotting the hip urban neighborhood.
“I have always believed that enjoying food with wine is a much more fulfilling wine tasting experience,” says Brian. It is this philosophy that inspired him to include a bistro inside the Vancouver, Wash. waterfront tasting room in 2020, a concept he has now brought to Woodinville. “Opening a new tasting room in Woodinville with a full kitchen is the culmination of a dream I had for many years.”
The open kitchen in Woodinville allows guests to watch chef Nicholas Ames in action and enjoy dishes thoughtfully paired with the full selection of wines. Menus are subject to changes, but a quick scroll through the current one listed some mouthwatering pairings. Such as the 2016 ONE Merlot paired with sweet corn risotto with guanciale, leeks and sous vide egg. Or the 2020 Oriana white blend paired with hamachi crudo, a delicate Japanese appetizer made from thinly-sliced, raw yellowtail dressed in preserved lemon granita and fennel, and served with champagne vinaigrette.
In the pipeline: the winery is planning to offer expanded wine education, culinary and live music experiences. The new space is also available to rent for private events.
There’s a masterly finesse that runs through every wine at Brian Carter Cellars. The prolific vintner and his all-star team show no signs of slowing in the arenas of creativity or productivity.
Visit: $20 tasting fee, refundable with purchase of two bottles or by joining the wine club. The Woodin Creek address is 17140 135th Ave NE, Suite 1030, Woodinville; (425) 806-9463, open Wed-Sun, reservations are encouraged online (or by phone) at www.briancartercellars.com
Below are 3 releases we recently reviewed:
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Trentenaire
94 pts.
Built around a pillar of Petit Verdot (56%), this red utilizes all five major Bordeaux grapes. The result is an elegant and powerful blend, exuding floral aromas and fruity yet savory flavors of violet, boysenberry, cassis, cherry, and worn cedar notes. Congealed tannins make a classy statement without being overt. All the elements come together in union on the long and enduring finish. Decant at least an hour. $50
Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Le Coursier
93 pts.
Dense and rich tasting, this Right Bank Bordeaux-style red is grounded with earthy appeal. Broad aromas of dried plum, currant, cocao nib and Madagascar vanilla blend with smooth flavors of Bing cherry and blackberry. Refined tannins are balanced with pleasing acidity, creating harmonious structure backlit by mineral and spice notes. $35
Brian Carter Cellars 2020 Oriana
92 pts.
This proprietary blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Riesling is balanced and creamy, leading with ripe pear and honeysuckle aromas complemented by sleek orange and apricot flavors infused with delicate chervil notes. There’s a minerally undertow that keeps it energetic on the rich palate. $25