Bayernmoor Cellars is a new, small winery that opened up recently in Stanwood in western Washington. First, attorney Larry Harris and his family established a six-acre vineyard of Pinot Noir. Next, other grapes were sourced from premium Washington vineyards Destiny Ridge, Otis, Klipsun and Celio.

The family decided to focus on European-style wines that showcase the beautiful grapes grown here, and asked pioneer Washington winemaker Brian Carter to join their team.

Recently, we were fortunate to taste three lovely Bayernmoor wines: 2018 Rosé, 2017 Chardonnay and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bayernmoor Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (MRSP $39)

This is an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, but it requires decanting if you want to drink it now. Or you could put it down for a few years and wait for the beauty to emerge even further. With grapes sourced from our friend Jarrod Boyle’s amazing Destiny Ridge vineyard, this is a rich and opulent Cab with power and complexity. Aromatics of cherries, cola and mocha lead into dark fruit, more mocha, herbs and a hint of smoke. Of note, Bayernmoor Cab Sauv generated accolades from Seattle Wine Awards, Wine Press Northwest and Sunset International.

Bayernmoor Cellars 2017 Chardonnay (MSRP $29)

The traditional winemaking approach in Burgundy is featured in this 2017 Chardonnay, which blends fruit from Weinbau and Otis Vineyards. Aged in a blend of new and neutral French Oak barrels. Bayernmoor Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of toast, pear, lemon meringue and apples. We shared it with friends lakeside on a warm summer afternoon. We plan to open another bottle during crab season in a couple of months.

Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Rosé (MSRP $15)

This rosé is a traditional 50/50 blend of Grenache and Mourvedre. It is a dry, refreshing rosé, especially if you like a tinge of sweetness with the crisp acidity in this coral-colored summer pleaser. What a pretty nose of strawberries, stone fruit and berries. Bayernmoor calls it “summer in a bottle and the added complexity means it is equally at home in a picnic basket or a wine pairing event.”

Summary

We opened these three wines at a barbecue and a summer deck party, and our friends really enjoyed them. Whether you are entertaining or looking for wine to take to someone else’s gathering, consider these wines from Bayernmoor Cellar.

Thanks, Bayernmoor, for these samples.

Cheers,
Margot and Dave