Negociant “super sleuths” Bob and Lauren Bullock, owners of Eye of the Needle Winery in Woodinville, WA continue to up the ante with their latest releases of white and red blends. Their longtime relationships with some of the finest growers and vineyards in the state give them access to top quality fruit at savings that they pass on to their customers. These releases offer tremendous value in categories ranging from “best buys” to premium world-class wines and in addition, there is something to satisfy every palate—both reasons why this winery earned a spot in our 2019 Top Wine Clubs section. The casual, fun tasting room is open every weekend in Woodinville’s Winery Warehouse District.
Visit & Taste
Eye of the Needle Winery
19501 144th Ave NE, Building D1200, Woodinville, WA 98072 (map here)
Phone: (888) 881-7110
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm
Website: www.eyeoftheneedlewinery.com
Below are six wines we recently reviewed:
Eye of the Needle 2016 Private Eye, $40
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This suave Bordeaux varietal blend from premium grapes grown in the Walla Walla Valley AVA leads with intense aromas of leather, dark berries, spice and pipe tobacco. Satiny smooth and built with finesse, this red wine is swathed in dark fruit flavors of steeped blackberry, black cherry and violet that mesh harmoniously with accents of graham and espresso. The saturated finish is an enchanting vortex of polished firm tannins with flashes of crushed rock and spice on the lingering aftertaste.
Eye of the Needle 2016 Merlot Vintner Select, $35
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Rich, round and brilliantly polished, offering tantalizing aromas of dark red and black fruit with pencil shavings. Elegantly creamy on the mouthfeel, filled with rich flavors of blueberry and black cherry that merge with mocha, tobacco, graphite and crushed gravel notes. This is everything a Merlot should be, down to the balanced and lengthy finish that leaves an everlasting impression.
Eye of the Needle “The Eye” (NV), $18
Editor’s Choice – BEST BUY! Excellent (90 pts.)
This popular release is aromatically delightful, expressing distinctive cherry and strawberry scents that echo on the bold, full-bodied structure, joining mouthfilling flavors of red currant, plum and dried cherry that weave through loamy earth, spice and firm tannins lining the finish.
Eye of the Needle “Little Italy” (NV), $18
Editor’s Choice – BEST BUY! Excellent (90 pts.)
Smooth and well structured, delivering red cherry and blackberry flavors infused with well-proportioned layers of violet, cigar box and a flickering of cinnamon spice. Powdery tannins lend a solid grip on the satisfying finish.
Eye of the Needle Harvest White (NV), $18
Editor’s Choice – BEST BUY! Excellent (90 pts.)
This fresh and engaging proprietary white blend of different varietals offers a broad, medium sweet palate loaded with a creamy mix of apricot, yellow apple, green melon and star fruit flavors. An infusion of slate minerality keeps the flavors lively on the crisp, balanced finish. A delightful and refreshing porch pounder!
Library Wine: Eye of the Needle 2013 Private Eye
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This ultra-premium aged blend of Sangiovese and Merlot comes from two of Washington’s pioneering vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA (Red Willow and Otis Vineyard), creating a blissful Super Tuscan red wine. Washington Tasting Room Magazine rated it a solid score of “Outstanding” in 2017, and after re-tasting it this month I can attest it has aged gracefully in the bottle and is a real attention-getter. The mouthfeel is velvet-like, rolling out deeply concentrated flavors of leather, violet, black cherry and dark plum layered with mature nuances of dark chocolate and tobacco. Plush tannins and spice details abound on the rich, elevated finish. This is a spectacular library wine and there are only a few bottles remaining (inquire at the winery).