Jody Elsom founded her eponymous label in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, relocated the winery to her hometown of Woodinville in early 2010, and after a five-year run has now returned. The 3,500-square-foot winery and tasting room is in the Gateway Complex next to a tour operator and outdoor recreation outfitter.
“We are excited for our return to SoDo. With our new tasting and production location, we are combining my love of the outdoors, travel, food and wine through our collaboration with Evergreen Escapes and Kaf Adventures,” says Elsom, citing events where guests can learn about exotic destinations over a glass of wine. Rebecca Weber is the newest addition to the winemaking team, bringing work experience from the wine regions of Australia, Austria, Napa and Sonoma.
Elsom’s focus revolves around her Malbec-based blends and Cabernets. “I love big earthy and spicy wines. Crafting wines that will complement a fabulous meal are the goals for the wine,” she says. Current releases include a new Red Mountain Rosé blended from Cab and Merlot; a Cabernet Sauvignon; a Malbec and the 2009 Red Wine.
Visit: $10 tasting fee refundable with bottle purchase, 2960 4th Ave South, Seattle, open Thur-Fri 4-7pm, Sat 1-6pm, (425) 298-3082, www.elsomcellars.com
Elsom Cellars 2009 Red Wine, $38
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Nose: Dusky red and black berries, cola, sweet pipe tobacco, graphite and spice.
Taste: A svelte blend of Malbec, Cab and Syrah that was aged 23 months in barrel and several years in bottle. Broad-shouldered with generous flavors of black fruit, cola, tea leaf, mocha, vanilla, sweet spice notes and chewy tannins that linger on the finish.
Elsom Cellars 2009 Horse Heaven Hills Malbec, $38
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Nose: Fresh scents of black olive, tobacco, dark purple and blue fruit with hints of graphite.
Taste: A remarkably well-cut red, with taut structure, firm gripping tannins and balanced acidity. Lovely minerality permeates the rich fruit flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, fig and cassis that continue to evolve on a finish studded with vanilla spice and black tea notes.
Elsom Cellars 2009 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, $32
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Nose: Generous aromas of alluring red fruit, sweet tobacco leaf, vanilla bean and pencil shavings.
Taste: Sharply focused with finely-integrated tannins and expressive flavors of red berries, currants, mint, caramel and earthy minerality. The finish poised, balanced and harmonious.