Tech Notes
Wine Details
By Lachini Vineyards
2018 Lachini Vineyards "La Contrada" Red Wine
Background
We are delighted to release our 9th vintage of this spectacular wine, following on the coattails of six terrific vintages (2012-2017). This polished and hedonistic left-bank, Bordeaux-inspired red blend showcases the essence of one of Washington's finest growing 'districts' (contrada in Italian). 'La Contrada' gets its namesake from the famed Palio di Siena, a horse race around the piazza of Siena, Italy, dating back to the 12th century. " Whereas the Palio is essential to the life of the Contrade. The Contrade, in turn, is essential to the life of Siena. The Palio, the Contrade, and Siena thus constitute a virtually interdependent trinity" (Judith Hook, 1979). Similarly, the grapes cultivated in the soils and micro-climate of the Red Mountain 'district' are intertwined with their place.
Vineyard Details
Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Source: Quintessence (Cabernet Sauvignon), Red Willow and Boushey (Merlot)
Harvest: October 10th-14th, 2018
Production
Barrel Aging: 24 months in 80% new and 20% one-year French oak barrels
Winemaker: Liz Kelly-Campanale
Alcohol: 14.60%
pH: 3.68
TA: 6.5 g/l
Tasting Notes
Amazingly complex, with exceptional richness and balance, this sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and old-vine Merlot is a testament to the quality of fruit coming from both Quintessence and the legendary Red Willow vineyard as well as mother nature's near-perfect 2018 growing season. A combination of mature and young vines, meticulously managed, whose beauty and expression are far greater than the sum of its parts. Our blocks were among the last picked in each vineyard. Aged in barrels for 24 months, our patience was rewarded with an extracted, high-octane red with the substance to go the distance! Dark, fragrant, and spectacularly rich, it bursts on the nose with blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. Opens to reveal a more nuanced bouquet of violets, cassis, currant, espresso, and dark chocolate. The wine has a broad, beautifully proportioned mouthfeel with juicy layers of dark fruits yet maintains great purity and structure. Deftly straddles the line of providing near-term pleasure with toasty vanillin overtones, with noticeable acid and structured tannins that will certainly reward patience. Age 15+ years.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]
Region:
Washington
Vintage:
2018
Grape:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Country:
United States
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
14.60
Appellation:
Washington State