Owners Kim and Larry Harris opened their first tasting room during the summer of 2021 in Woodinville’s Woodin Creek neighborhood. Although they produce a Chardonnay, a Cabernet and Rosé with grapes from eastern Washington growers, the real story centers on their series of estate Pinot Noir grown north of Seattle. They began planting vines on the family’s estate land in Stanwood, Wash. around 2005. The mission was to focus on European-style wines, so early on they brought in a consulting winemaker whom they knew would make a good fit, Brian Carter of Brian Carter Cellars.
The estate Pinot Noir offerings we sampled were impressive, eliciting Old World charm riveted by a sense of terroir. “We use sustainable farming practices in the vineyard,” says Kim. “By using organic practices and mindful farming, we are keeping the vineyard and surrounding lands sustainable for generations to come.”
Chef-paired food bites are optional at the tasting room. One flight is called “Nothing But Pinot” and consists of four different Pinots, each matched with a different bite, such as the mushroom croquette with mole.
The elegant tasting room can be booked for events (up to 50 people) and there is an intimate dining room, called Off The Vine, which seats up to ten.
The tasting room is located at 17140 135th Ave NE, Ste 1040 in Woodinville. Learn more at www.bayernmoor.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir
92 pts.
This estate-grown red is comprised of two different clones, aged 15 months in French oak. Leads with enticing aromas and flavors of toasty spice, fresh-picked strawberry, cherry, crème fraiche and hints of earth. Fine tannins frame the elegant finish, with lingering inflections of rose water and mineral. $60
Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Pinot Noir Clonal Selection 777
92 pts.
Shows appealing depth, with a well-crafted center of dark cherry, cranberry and black tea notes nuanced with wafer, spiced cinnamon and orange peel. Gains momentum on the rich finish humming with fine tannins. $45
Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Pinot Noir Clonal Selection Précoce
91 pts.
Made from 100% Précoce clone, this exhibits earthy and floral aromas and flavors of red stone fruit, rose petal and rhubarb cloaked with fresh, loamy soil and dried garden herbs. An undertow of acidity retains freshness on the lightly-tannic finish that’s equally savory and fruit-driven. $45