Urban Enoteca
Seattle, WA
Tasted Friday, March 11, 2011 by Ecbatana with 740 views
Introduction
Urban Enoteca is one of Seattle's newest wine bars having opened in late 2010. It acts as a consortium of tasting rooms where select wineries assemble under one roof to pour their wines. As of the date of this event, McCrea Cellars, Cote Bonneville, Kiona, Fidelitas, Fielding Hills, Five Star Cellars and Cave B has setup shop. Word is several more will be moving in within a few weeks. The wine bar itself has space to accomodate 12 wineries. Across the corridor just a few steps away (and under the same roof ) is the Library Lounge where outstanding small plates are served. A cool, urban atmosphere and decor with an open kitchen concept. WA liquor laws won't allow for wines from the tasting room side to be taken to the restaurant. However, you can purchase wines for consumption in the restaurant at street prices. If memory serves you can also purchase by the glass - go figure.
Flight 1 - McCrea Cellars (5 Notes)
Doug McCrea has the brevity to experiement with obscure grape varietals (e.g. Counoise, Picpoul) and goes beyond just using these oddities and blending grapes, he is making varietals. And what an outstanding job he has done.
Flight 2 - Five Star Cellars (4 Notes)
Nicole staffs the tasting table and is a delight. She will take good care of you. Highly recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Flight 3 - Cote Bonneville (5 Notes)
Representing one of the quintessential success stories in Washington wine and demanding premium prices to match. The Chardonnay is a stunner and so is the Carriage House. In fact, essentially every wine presented is exceptional.
Flight 4 - Fielding Hills (4 Notes)
Made in small quantities and typically difficult to find. The syrah stood out more than the Tribute or Cab.
2008 McCrea Picpoul Blanc Boushey Vineyard 89 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
2008 McCrea Picpoul. What an awesome wine, unusual to be sure. Hats off to Doug McCrea for having the huevos to experiment with a varietal of such an obscure grape. Fist observations are of a viognier colored wine along with a "skunky" bouquet. But not in a bad way, more of how a fine cheese might be skunky. Agree with the winemaker's notes describing lemony flavors along with fresh and crisp palate. It has a nice bright tartness reminiscent of sour grape candy that I enjoyed. There were a meager 72 cases made so finding this wine may be daunting.
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2008 McCrea Counoise Ciel du Cheval Vineyard 90 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
2008 McCrea Counoise. Another fun obscure varietal from Adventurous McCrea Cellars. Medium body with a multi-faced palate appeal. Flavors of caramel and toast along with a pleasing tartness and acidity and spiciness.
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2007 McCrea Mourvèdre Ciel du Cheval Vineyard 87 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
2007 McCrea Mourvedre. Wine was notable for its density up front but then it just fell off a cliff. I found little to no detectable finish to write home about.
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2006 McCrea Syrah Amerique 88 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
2007 McCrea Amerique. Syrah Blend with some Mourvedre. This represents McCrea's "Aussie Shiraz" blend. Enjoyed but not inspiring.
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2005 McCrea Syrah Cuvée Orleans 89 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
2005 McCrea Orleans. This varietal sneaks in a small amount of Viognier. More finesse than the Aussie-like Amerique blend. Smooth with nice red fruits and a vanilla/caramel quality that I liked.
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