Seabeck Cellars prides itself on being a family business, operated by husband and wife Steve and Lynda Rants, their son Scott Rants and his wife Ravynn. Each team member contributes their expertise; Ravynn focuses on their website, social media, and photography, Lynda on bookkeeping, and Steve handles the cellar tasks alongside Scott, who wears the title of winemaker. And of course, it’s all hands on deck during crush.
Initially, it was the time Scott spent with his dad growing up, watching him experiment with making beer and eventually wine, that prompted Scott to enroll in the Viticulture and Enology Program at WSU, where he graduated in 2008. “We always had fermenters, carboys, and bottling equipment around,” Scott says. “As I grew older I would help him make it and would even get to taste the results.” He worked brief stretches at Hope Estate winery in Australia and then at Bedell Cellars on Long Island, New York. He took a break from winemaking to study for sommelier exams.
The winery got started in 2016 with fruit from Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain. “I was inspired by a winemaking method in the Rhône where they add some white wine to red wine,” Scott says. “So we did that to our inaugural Vintner’s Blend. It was made with the summer in mind, for picnics and barbecues.” Another wine they made that year was a Rosé. “We love what Rosé stands for,” Scott says. “Rosé is joyful and fun. It makes you want to celebrate something, anything.”
This winery shows strong potential with each successive vintage, and the 2018 release we recently tried (see below) is a testament to their skill in the cellar and careful handling of premium fruit.
Tastings are by appointment at the winery in the rural wooded neighborhood of Seabeck. Look for the family members pouring samples at local farmer’s markets around Kitsap County and beyond. They can be contacted at (360) 434-7065 or online at www.seabeckcellars.com
Seabeck Cellars 2018 Red Mountain Gewurztraminer, $24
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This current release is a gem, crafted from 100% Gewurztraminer grapes grown by Kiona Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA. With the varietal’s high natural sugar content, this off-dry and distinctively aromatic version shows off beautifully balanced flavors of apricot, lychee fruit, rose petal and honey blossom notes that flow easily on the smooth, slightly viscous mouthfeel. Well-structured, there’s good acidity that carries the flamboyant flavors over the finish line like a champ. One of the finest releases we’ve sampled from this young winery to date.
Seabeck Cellars 2016 Red Mountain Rosé, $19
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Pale salmon in hue, with appealing aromas and flavors of fresh-cut roses mingled with crushed red berries, and ends with notes of poached pear on the palate. Semi-sweet, yet retaining crisp vitality, this full-flavored version is a perfect companion for a seaside picnic.
Seabeck Cellars 2016 Red Mountain “Seaside Sweet” Dessert Wine, $18
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Floral and fruity, this dessert wine shows good weight on the palate; sweet yet not cloying. Abundant with rich flavors of sweet lychee fruit, honeycomb, flower blossom and hints of baked apple that fill the palate. Drink as dessert, or try with lemon cheesecake or sautéed foie gras.
Seabeck Cellars 2016 Red Mountain Vintner’s Blend, $21
Editor’s Choice – Recommended (87 pts.)
Aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, this approachable Cabernet-based red wine offers a core of spiced cherry and red currant flavors. Bright and lively acidity notes on the mid-palate make this a friendly pairing with a variety of dishes, finishing with an undertow of moderately firm tannins on the aftertaste.