WINES
Professional reviews and tasting notes will be added as published.
2018 LA RATA
The 2018 La Rata sourced fruit from the Armada, En Cerise and La Paciencia Vineyards. The blend is 54% Grenache, 36% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. 164 cases produced.
"96 Points The 2018 La Rata red wine is a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, blend of 54% Grenache, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah made by Cayuse Assistant Vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier... The nose is hedonistic with black cherry cordial, Hoisin sauce, Umami, orange rind, white truffle shavings and white pepper with shades of smoked bacon fat... The palate shows a great degree of freshness with beautiful finesse and a great core of red and dark fruits that mingle with the earthy undertones of the wine. This version is geared a touch more towards weight than the 2017 edition. Truly outstanding to savor at the moment, the 2018 La Rata will cellar well over the next decade." —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
"94 Points Shows pinpoint focus and subtle torque, this red draws in notes of cherry and raspberry, plus orange zest and stony mineral. Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2029. 1,645 cases made." —Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
"94 Points Checking in as a blend of 54% Grenache, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah, the translucent ruby-hued 2018 La Rata gives up lots of red and black fruits, sappy herbs, wildflowers, and spiced-driven aromas and flavors. With medium to full body, a silky, seamless texture, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish, it will evolve positively for 2-4 years and drink well for at least a decade." —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
"93 Points A blend of 54% Grenache, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, the 2018 La Rata has a delightful ruby core and offers elements of wild strawberry, roasted raspberries, dark cherry, baked earth and hints of red and black spice tones on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the wine offers a food-friendly expression with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins that flutter across the mid-palate with flavors of spiced licorice, roasted plums and red peppercorn. The wine ends with a delightfully balanced, focused, fresh and lingering finish. The wine rested for 22 months in third fill demi-muids and barrels. 1,968 bottles were produced." —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
"93 Points This singular expression of the region is a blend of co-fermented Grenache (54%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), with the balance Syrah. Aromas of strawberry, earth, rose petal and mineral lead to palate-coating, fuller flavors that dance on the palate. An exceptionally long finish ups the appeal. It's delicious." —Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
