2021 Red Wine, La Contrada
70% Cabernet Sauvignon (Quintessence vineyard), 20% Merlot (Red Willow vineyard), 10% Malbec (Quintessence vineyard)
We are delighted to release our 11th vintage of this spectacular wine! Following on the coattails of eight terrific vintages (2012-2019, the 2021 developed from a stellar growing season and surprised on the upside following the challenges of forest fires blanketing the West Coast with smoke in early September. 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 12th century. “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 microclimate of the Red Mountain ‘district’ are intertwined with their place.
Amazingly complex, with exceptional richness and balance; this sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, old-vine Merlot with a small add of Malbec is a testament not only to Red Mountain, but to the quality of fruit coming from both Quintessence and the legendary Boushey vineyards as well as mother nature’s resilient 2020 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. Aged in barrel for 24 months, our patience was rewarded with an extracted, high-octane red that has substance to go the distance!
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, with noticeable acid and structured tannins that will certainly reward patience. Age 2 – 10+ years.
HISTORICAL REVIEWS...
2019 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Red Mountain ($65) 92 DR. OWEN BARGREEN
2018 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Red Mountain ($65) 93 DR. OWEN BARGREEN
2014 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Red Mountain 92 WINE SPECTATOR
2012 Lachini Red Wine, LA CONTRADA, Red Mountain 94 WINE SPECTATOR
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.
