All good things must come to an end. Arlington Road Cellars, located in the Woodinville, will be closing its doors later this year. Apparently founders Ken Nydam and Robin Rutz have gone their separate ways and decided to close the venture.

Arlington Road’s first wine – the 2004 red blend called Monolith – was released a year and a half ago to a good deal of acclaim (See my write-up of the 2004 Monolith and other Woodinville area wines in my 2007 Passport to Woodinville Report). The winery used consulting winemaker Matthew Loso, formerly of Matthews Cellars, to craft their wines with excellent results.

The recently released 2007 Imperium – an off-dry Riesling – the 2006 Monolith, and the 2005 Monolith are currently for sale at the winery at half of their original price. The winery will be open on Saturdays and also for St. Nick’s weekend (tickets required) in December.

They will be missed.
Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

+

 Arlington Road Cellars Imperium 2007

Pale in color, the wine has a lively nose with honey, spice, mineral, and melon aromas. On the taste, the wine is marked by apple notes and a good finish. An excellent wine for pairing with spicy food. 12.1% alcohol.

 $13

*

 Arlington Road Cellars Monolith 2005

 An elegant, appealing nose with spice, anise, tobacco, and dates. The wine is smooth with soft tannins. Overall, an impressive wine although the taste doesn’t quite deliver all the nose promises. 63% Cabernet; 22% Merlot; 11% Cab Franc; 3% Malbec; 1% Petit Verdot. 14.5% alcohol.

 $25

+

 Arlington Road Cellars Monolith 2006

 Still a very young wine that is a bit green but has lots of spice and black fruit. Needs time to settle down but will be a good wine. 66% Cabernet; 21% Merlot; 11% Cab Franc; 2% Petit Verdot. 14.5% alcohol.

$25