2018 Red Wine, La Contrada
75% Cabernet Sauvignon (Quintessence Vineyard) + 25% Merlot (Red Willow Vineyard).
We are delighted to release our 8th vintage of this spectacular wine! Following on the coattails of multiple terrific vintages (2012-2017). This polished and hedonistic left-bank, Bordeaux-inspired red blend, showcases the essence of the Red Mountain A.V.A. – one of Washington’s finest growing ‘districts’ (Contrada in Italian). Amazingly complex, with exceptional richness and balance; this sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and old-vine Merlot is a testament not only to Red Mountain, but to the quality of fruit coming from both Quintessence and the legendary Red Willow vineyard as well as mother nature’s generous 2016 growing season. A combination of mature and young vines, meticulously managed, who’s beauty and expression are far greater than the sum of its parts.
TASTING NOTES: Dark, fragrant and spectacularly rich, bursts on the nose with blackberry, plum and dark chocolate. Opens to reveal a more nuanced bouquet of a violets, cassis, currant, espresso and dark chocolate. The wine has broad, beautifully proportioned mouthfeel with juicy layers of dark fruits; yet maintaining great purity and structure. Deftly straddles the line of providing near term pleasure with toasty vanillin overtones; yet has nicely integrated fresh acids and silky tannins to reward patience. Age 2 – 15+ years. 190 cases produced.
HISTORICAL REVIEWS...
2012 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Red Mountain 94 WINE SPECTATOR
Broad and spicy, with plum compote flavors on a round frame and prickly tannins adding their texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. Best from 2018 through 2025. – H.S.
2008 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Walla Walla Valley 92 WS & WE
2007 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Walla Walla Valley 92 WS| 91PTS WE
We are delighted to bring back this spectacular wine for its 5th release ~ following on the curtails of the 94pt 2012 vintage. This polished and hedonistic left-bank, Bordeaux-inspired red blend showcases the essence of the Red Mountain A.V.A. – 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 12thcentury.
“Whereas the Palio is essential to the life of the Contrade. The Contrade in turn are essential to the life of Siena. The Palio, the Contrade, and Siena thus constitute a virtually interdependent trinity.” Judith Hook, Historian 1979. Similarly, the grapes cultivated in the soils and micro-climate of the Red Mountain ‘district’ are intertwined with their place.
