Many Washingtonians have come across Alexandria Nicole Cellars (ANC) wines in the grocery store. I became acquainted with their Quarry Butte almost a decade ago, and was blown away by this decadent blend. This is a well overdue review...
There are two tasting rooms close to us - "Hollywood Schoolhouse" and "Woodin Creek" tasting rooms. The schoolhouse is a more classic, and somewhat antiquated tasting room. Although the environment is somewhat dark and drab, the service and staff was incredibly accommodating and knowledgeable. We became members on our first visit! The best feature of the Hollywood Schoolhouse location is their patio. It provides a nice view of the Woodinville Hollywood district, and on a temperate day, this would be a great outdoor, people watching, wine sipping experience.
While the Hollywood district location persuaded our membership, we have fallen in love with the Woodin Creek location.
ANC's Woodin Creek location takes on a completely different persona, with a chic, modern, open space. It provides a surprisingly good food menu, and still offers a patio (and portions of it being heated).
Parking is very convenient, and free, at Woodin Creek. We tend to relax in the Member's tasting room, which has typically been available and away from the crowds. The staff, service, and attention at ANC has always been stellar, at least from a club members' perspective.
This tasting review was for the month of July 2022. To bring us all up to speed, ANC sources from Horse Heaven Hills (HHH), from their very own estate named "Destiny Ridge". Hearing the name evokes a sense of mystery and power, and I can't help but be drawn to that. Some honorable mentions this tasting:
2021 Albarino - was an unusual Portuguese grape (AKA Alvarinho), with a nice tropical fruit aroma. It was dry, with clean minerality and refreshing finish. Keep in mind we are not huge white wine fans, and this deserved an A rating.
2018 Cabernet Franc 'Wild One' - oak, vanilla, and smoke on the nose. Blast of red and dark fruits, blueberries. Dry. Amazing long finish with smooth tannins. A+ rating.
2019 Syrah 'Block 17' - Wet socks, musty and game on the nose. Ripe dark fruit, pepper and spice. Long tannic finish. This is obviously compared to the Jet Black Syrah. It's a matter of personal preference, and I think it may be situational. On it's own, A- rating.
2019 Petit Verdot 'Little Big Man' - unfortunately I lost my tasting notes. It impressed me enough to have a glass on its own, and to buy a bottle and it is probably in the A to A+ rating.
The food menu at the Woodin Creek location is more than ample to satisfy your sobering needs while wine tasting. I stumbled upon this Speck sandwich lunch special for less than $15 (plus additional member discount).
We joined Alexandria Nicole Cellars for a reason. The wines are solid, the Woodin Creek tasting room is an amazing amenity, the staff have always been attentive, and the food options are great. Overall Alexandria Nicole Cellars gets an A+ rating.
