This is part of a report on the South Seattle Artisan Wineries. Additional sections of the report will be posted to the blog. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.

While Sodovino’s name may puzzle those from outside Seattle, it will be immediately understandable for those from the area. SoDo is the name of the district south of downtown Seattle where the winery is located. In deciding on the name, winemaker Jim Musielewicz says “We are located in Sodo and we make wine, but more than that we were looking for something fun and quirky.”

Like many, Musielewicz and his wife started as home beer makers before turning their attention to wine. Musielewicz says “We naturally evolved into wine and then things just got carried away…Our basement and garage were quickly full of various varietals and vintages.”

While the Musielewiczs first started making wine in 2000, it wasn’t until 2006 that they made their first commercial vintage. Since their initial release – 150 cases – Sodovino has slowly grown in size, producing 550 cases for the 2008 vintage. The winery aims to focus on Rhone varietals using grapes from Lewis, Rosebud, Alder Ridge, Doc’s, and Clifton vineyards.

Note: All reds sampled at 63 degrees.

Sodovino Sylvia James Viognier Rosebud Ranch 2007 $11
Rating: + (Good) Very light in color. Nose comes off as faint initially with creek aromas, floral notes, and white peaches. Surprisingly weighted with fruit on the palate with just a touch of residual sugar. Fermented in stainless steel. Sampled at 55 degrees.

Sodovino Red Wine 2006 $19
Rating: + (Good) An intriguing nose with pencil lead, diesel, black fruit, chocolate, and anise. An enjoyable wine on the palate with a pleasing balance of fruit, acid, and tannins. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec, 6% Syrah. Aged in French and American oak. Recommended.

Sodovino Red Wine 2007 $19
Rating: . (Decent) A lot of pepper on the nose along with black fruit and anise. Dry chocolate flavors and cherry dominate the palate. An enjoyable palate that is offset by a nose that shows a bit too much pepper. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Mourvedre, and 23% Syrah.

Sodovino So Syrah 2007 $19
Rating: ./+ (Decent/Good) A vibrant nose with black fruit, chocolate, and a whiff of pepper. Needs a bit more uplift on the middle on what is otherwise an enjoyable wine. 86% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre. Aged in French and American oak.

Sodovino Syrah Lewis Vineyard 2007 $25
Rating: + (Good) A stinky, gamey nose that is loaded with berry fruit. Well put together on the taste with chocolate and berries. 100% Lewis Vineyard Syrah. Aged in French and American oak.