Sparkman Cellars has a beautiful tasting room in the Hollywood District at the old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.
In addition to some outdoor patio seating, the indoor seating is divided into 2 atmospheres. The entry is bright, modern, fresh, and opens into a large open tasting room with high vaulted ceilings supported by wooden rafters reminiscent of the interior of a wine barrel.
The tasting included 5 wines, and experience was enhanced by individual pours, allowing side-side comparison, which we love. The wines all had fairly whimsical original names which added some mystery and fun to their wines.
2018 L'Autre (Pinot Noir) - Mushroom and earth on the nose. bright candied cherry, vanilla and chocolate. Very smooth, gentle acid, nice finish. Sourced from Willamette Valley. ($60) A-rating.
2019 Wonderland (Grenache) - 86% Grenache, 14% Syrah. Musty game and earth, mushroom on the nose. Very bold and fruit forward, cherries and strawberries. Nice mouthfeel. Peppery kick at the finish. ($35) A rating.
2018 Preposterous (Malbec) - 85% Malbec, 15% Syrah. Pretty on the nose with flowers and vanilla. Very bold and fruity with blackberry and dark fruits. Honey and nice mouthfeel. Little Pepper at the finish. ($48) A rating.
2018 Outlaw (Merlot) - 78% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec. Vanilla and tobacco on the nose. Oak, chocolate, leather on the palate. Soft. Firm tannins. ($55) A- rating.
2018 Rainmaker (Cabernet Sauvignon) - 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec. Fruity on the nose with high expectations. Smooth chocolate, vanilla. Somewhat flabby, lacking tannins and structure, falling flat for me. ($70) B+ rating.
We loved Sparkman Cellars. The tasting room was gorgeous, and comfortable, with friendly staff. The experience was an A rating. The wines were all great. Particularly the 2019 Wonderland (Grenache) and the 2018 Preposterous (Malbec). We would return without hesitation for their next releases for sure.
