Vintner Mari Womack possesses the steely determination it takes to run a boutique winemaking operation these days. Even when faced with the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Like a number of winery owners in the state, Mari was in the midst of moving her business last spring when the government shutdown happened in March 2020.
She admits that government regulations obliged her to completely overhaul her tasting room setup a total of five times during the year. But she willingly did so in order to keep her customers safe at any cost.
“In a way the move was a blessing because the new space is three times larger,” Mari reports. Asked about social distancing, she replies, “We made cubby spaces in our warehouse, like tasting pods.” Oak barrels serve as intimacy barriers between spaces, a nice touch to the clean and friendly winery environs.
Mari’s resourcefulness during this difficult period has surely kept the doors open to patrons and wine club members. Her talent in the cellar with Bordeaux and Rhône varietals keeps customers returning repeatedly. This summer she released her first 100% Mourvèdre; 49 cases of a single-vineyard designate from Boushey Vineyard that falls in line with many of the finest around.
The best way to support local wineries producing consistently incredible wines like Damsel Cellars is to visit and consider joining a wine club. “Our club members get about three months to buy our limited releases like the Mourvèdre,” says Mari. “They can buy as much as they want; after that point it goes into the tasting room and is available to the public.”
Visit: 18746 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville; (206) 465-2433, Sat-Sun 1-5pm, check website for updated details at www.damselcellars.com
Below are two releases we recently reviewed:
Damsel Cellars 2018 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre
91 pts.
Supple, showing lively character and fine concentration without being overly weighty. Plump red currant, blackberry reduction and violet flavors are accented by earthy game, peppercorn and black tea notes. Chalky tannins carve out a neat path on the long finish. $36
Damsel Cellars 2017 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Malbec
91 pts.
Deliciously spiced with minerality, white pepper, leather and sage, this tightly meshed red offers compact flavors of dark plum, dried blueberry and crushed violet. Sleek tannins firm up on the expressive finish. $36