With a rock star name such as Brian Carter, you’d better make rock star wines! Well, Brian Carter Cellars does just that. As owner/winemaker, Carter (widely known as Washington’s “master blender”) has a strong talent for making perfectly balanced wines.
I first met him at a winemaker dinner we hosted at my restaurant from another life, and I found him full of knowledge and unwavering certainty. It’s no wonder, since he first became inspired by yeast and its functions at the young age of 12, when he was gifted a microscope from his parents and subsequently experimented with fermenting blackberries.
That young interest steered him toward a degree in microbiology and studies in oenology at the University of California, Davis, a year-long stint at Chateau Montelena and other noteworthy consulting/educative endeavors. Fast forward to today and he has just been honored as the 2025 recipient of the Washington State Wine Awards’ Heritage Award for 45 years of award-winning winemaking and successful mentorship, among other achievements that include winemaker of the year on multiple occasions.
What an honor to know him and get to taste (and judge) his wines. This is why I’d like to share his winery and wines with you …
Tasting notes: Scents of underripe kiwi, fresh-churned butter, sliced granny smith apple and key lime juice precede a palate of passionfruit, red plum and a mild honeycomb finish.
Pairing suggestion: Seared brown-butter scallops, garlic and ginger edamame, Mediterranean couscous, lemon-basil crème brûlée.
Song pair: “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Tasting notes: The nose opens with smashed strawberries, mild licorice, cedar shaving, dried rose petals and oregano – palate follows suit adding fig, minor molasses and white pepper on the finish.
Pairing suggestion: Minestrone, grilled root vegetables, pesto-topped veal, classic cherry pie.
Song pair: “Moondance” by Van Morrison
Tasting notes: Aromas of leather, navel oranges, Big Red gum, pine and cherry cola introduce a palate of macerated peaches, fresh Bing cherries, star anise and a spicy vanilla finish.
Pairing suggestion: Smoked brisket, pork agrodolce, French onion soup, blackberry crisp.
Song pair: “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
Tasting notes: The nose is bursting with peach-colored roses, black currants, a hint of patchouli, earl grey tea and sun-kissed blackberries – palate holds through along with dark plum flesh, fruit roll-up, sprinkled with mild cayenne and chai essence.
Pairing suggestion: Bison meatballs with marinara, sunchoke purée, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic loaf, blueberries with heavy cream and raw honey.
Song pair: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Brian Carter draws inspiration from European tradition, from Bordeaux to Rioja, and these wines are crafted with both science and art in mind. It’s about integrating the blend, the mouthfeel and bringing people together under the best of all worlds: intended to elevate your dining and sipping experience. That goal is accomplished, year after year.
The quality and consistency of these wines is impressive. Remember that Brian Carter Cellars iteration will be a superior choice, and the right price for the sealed juices as it is very fairly-priced, in my opinion.
There’s a wine club available online with four tiers to choose from: briancartercellars.com. Cheers!
Amberleigh Brownson is a local wine writer, consultant, sommelier and assistant winemaker for GLM Winery. She is also a 10-year wine judge and four-time Wine Spectator award winner.
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