Chandler Reach has a spacious and cozy tasting room in the busy Hollywood District of Woodinville. The room's ambience has clear Italian influence, as much as their wine does.
Chandler Reach sources from their estate vineyard in Benton City, in the Yakima Valley. They are at the foot of Horse Heaven Hills, overlooking Red Mountain, where they have their main Villa and tasting room.
Notes are directly from Chandler Reach
VILLA BIANCA BUBBLY RIESLING $30
Our quintessential bubbly white, Villa Bianca is a perfectly balanced dry Riesling. Expressing aromas of pear, late-harvest apple, and freesia florals, with a hint of grapefruit. Tight, crisp, bubbles open into a smooth, creamy almond palate. Clean and effervescent finish.
2018 VILLA ROSSO $35
65% Sangiovese, 28% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot. Aromas of cherry fruit & red currants. Barrel notes of vanilla and toast frame flavors of cherry and sage. Soft tannins and a smooth, light & easy mouth feel.
Rating 4.0 - everyday wine
2017 MERLOT $35
100% Merlot. A nose of candied cherries, red fruits, cola, and vanilla. The mouthfeel bringing forward notes of leather, tobacco, cocoa powder, and fig. A medium-bodied Merlot with nice acidity that makes it very food-friendly. Soft tannins present a beautiful finish.
Rating 4.0 - The 2019 was notably superior rating 4.4
2019 MONTE REGALO $35
55% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Carménère. Double Gold Whatcom Beer & Wine Festival. Our Flagship Bordeaux-Style Blend delights with deep garnet color. Aromas of juicy fruit, red licorice, and cola blend beautifully with the woody tannins and hint of white pepper. A medium-bodied red with a savory and lingering finish.
Rating 4.1 - Sweet & Savory
2017 ESTATE RESERVE CAB SAUV $55
100% Cab Sauv. An inviting nose of boysenberry pie, tuberose, and pomegranate. Smooth, round tannins lead to mid-palate notes of nutmeg, white pepper, and quince. The finish is supple and lingers with notes of red fruit.
Rating 4.4 - the 2019 was better rating 4.5
Chandler Reach crafts some approachable, bold, and smooth reds. I found the 2019 vintages of the Merlot & Estate Reserve Cab Sauv preferrable over the 2017.
Their "Estate Series" (Brevetatta, Merlot, Monte Regalo and Villa Rosso) are a great deal for an everyday one at $35. I would be curious to try their higher end "Signature & Club Series" (Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Barbera, Ommagio al Brunello, Carmenere).
