WINES
Professional reviews and tasting notes will be added as published.
2016 LA RATA
The 2016 La Rata sourced fruit from the Armada, En Cerise and La Paciencia Vineyards. The blend is 59% Grenache, 31% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. 146 cases produced.
"96 Points. The 2016 La Rata Red Wine is a one of a kind, simply sumptuous new wine by superstar vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier... The nose is downright intoxicating as the wine shows off red cherry preserves, underbrush, Umami, blood orange zest and shades of wet stone that all shine brightly on the bouquet. The freshness and tension that run through the core of wine is truly outstanding. Bright guava puree and high toned Mandarin orange peel flavors collide with minerals, wet stone, seaweed and green olive tapenade. This finishes exceedingly long with cran-cherry and blood orange zest. A resounding success, this true heavy hitter of a wine will drink marvelously in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more." —Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
"95+ Points. …a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, has an elegant, floral Grenache-dominated nose with a red-fruited core, red spices and mineral tension that is genuinely focused. A semi-carbonic feeling adds to the freshness that comes out on the nose and palate. The Cabernet begins to speak on the palate with its structure, adding a supporting lift to the backbone to prop up the expression, while the finish is filled in with touches of Syrah's subtle spice tones. It's seductively beautiful, with an elegant but big-shouldered finish." – Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
"95 Points. The aromas leap out of the glass, with notes of funk, ash, soot, potpourri, coarsely ground black pepper and peat. A panoply of rich fruit, savory and floral flavors follow, continuing seamlessly through the near-endless flower- and smoked meat-filled finish. It's a wine that commands attention, showing depth, complexity and intensity but also grace and detail. It's hard to keep your hands off it now, but cellaring will be rewarded." —Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
"95 Points. The 2016 La Rata checks in as a blend of 59% Grenache, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. Reminding me of a Grand Cru Burgundy with its thrilling tart cherry, spring flowers, forest floor, and smoked meat aromas and flavors, it’s medium-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless, and just gorgeously polished and silky. This was fermented with 60% stems and brought up in a mix of neutral demi-muids and stainless steel." —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
"94 Points. Intense, grenache flowers and red fruit lead the nose with some iron-like, cabernet influence, as well as cassis. The palate is more about the cabernet and syrah with a spine of structure, carrying still quite lacy, red and blue fruit. Quite unique. A blend of 59% grenache, 31% cabernet sauvignon and 10% syrah. Very drinkable with such pure flavors. Drink or hold." —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
"94 Points. Enticing floral lift to the aromas of wild strawberry and cherry. Silky and broad but not especially thick, conveying terrific inner-mouth energy to its flavors of strawberry, cherry, dusty herbs and persimmon. Hints of flinty minerality and spices contribute to the wine's light touch. With superb balance and noteworthy complexity, this intriguing blend… finishes savory, quite dry and very fresh, with a fine dusting of tannins and an emerging note of blood orange. Very fine…" —Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
