Pursued by Bear

Celebrity wine projects usually trigger a certain level of suspicion. Quite often the famous name arrives first and the wine appears somewhere much later. Pursued by Bear avoids that problem largely because the wines have been taken seriously from the beginning.

The project was founded by actor Kyle MacLachlan, whose love of wine led him towards Washington State rather than the more obvious Californian route. Working alongside respected winemaker Daniel Wampfler, the winery focuses on Bordeaux-inspired blends and Syrah sourced from some of Washington’s strongest vineyard sites.

The reds lean rich and structured without becoming overblown. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a major role, bringing blackcurrant, dark cherry and cedar notes, while Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties add texture and depth. The Syrah often shows a slightly savoury edge alongside the fruit, reflecting Washington’s cooler nights and longer growing season.

What makes the wines interesting is that they genuinely reflect the region. Washington State has become one of America’s most exciting wine areas thanks to its combination of warm sunshine, cool evenings and dry growing conditions. The resulting wines often carry concentration alongside freshness in a way that feels very distinct from California.

The winery name comes from a line in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, although many people inevitably assume it is a Twin Peaks reference. Both explanations probably work after the second glass.