Consistency and quality-to-price ratio both play a big role in the overall success of any winery nowadays. After all, savvy buyers recognize quality; and they understand it can jump exponentially from various price tiers. Eye of the Needle proprietors Bob and Lauren Bullock have paid meticulous care in selecting fruit from trusted, premium sources for the past dozen years. This newest batch of releases continues to deliver astonishing quality to a highly competitive marketplace of boutique wine.
Below are 5 new bottlings we recently reviewed:
Eye of the Needle Walla Walla Valley Bellissimo Diavolo (NV)
95 pts.
Defined with wild strawberry, red stone fruit, cassis and blackberry, this dazzles from start to finish. Very complex and densely structured, fine-grained tannins give lift to a weightless streak of acidity that adds resonant definition to the long finish. $55
Eye of the Needle 2016 Private Eye
93 pts.
This luscious Cabernet/Merlot from the Walla Walla Valley is artfully rendered, delivering a solid beam of pure blackberry, cassis, mocha and fine pencil shavings that contract and expand with well-embedded acidity and a firm core of tannins that bolster the finish. $40
Eye of the Needle 2018 Cabernet Franc
92 pts.
The embodiment of understated power, this shows a flood of cherry, black raspberry and blueberry fruit supported by a fine thread of acidity and chewy tannins. Mineral and spice notes flirt with a graphite element on the plush finish. $40
Eye of the Needle Winery Enlightened Vintner’s Select
92 pts.
This unique red blend of Sangiovese and Petit Verdot radiates with dark plum, violet and dried red and black currant flavors tightly knit with polished accents of espresso bean, cocoa powder, mint and graphite. The firm structure and vibrant acidity tackle the finish with solid grip and length. $40
Eye of the Needle 2017 Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese
92 pts.
Finessed and well sculpted, with an alluring combination of dark cherry, plum, leather, bittersweet chocolate and baking spice that glide with seamless precision through the mouthfilling palate. Powdery tannins emanate on the well-meshed and harmonious finish. $38