We have been fans of Lauren Ashton Cellars since we first discovered the winery in Woodinville close to five years ago. They recently launched their second label, Ashton Troy Wines, as an exclusive offering for the restaurant market. The result is well priced wine that still manages to maintain the same high quality that fans of Lauren Ashton have come to expect.
It is rare for a winery to make its mark after just three vintages. It’s even more rare to make that mark based on a grape used more often for blending than as a single varietal. Dracaena Wines has managed to stake its claim early as a winery to watch by doing both.
2011 Lauren Ashton Syrah
Medium red in colour, the nose revealed red fruits, earth and herbs. The complexity of this wine really showed through on the palate with blueberry, pepper and hints of coffee. A smooth mouthfeel with a long finish, it really opened up over the course of the evening and was a perfect accompaniment to barbecued ribs.
Excellent
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Founded in 1948, Domaine Pierre Usseglio is the creation of an Italian whose family, over the course of three generations, has carved out a world-class reputation for making outstanding wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
2006 Betz Family Syrah La Serenne
Dark purple in colour, this 10 year old wine is showing no age on the rim. Lots of fruit on the nose, particularly blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and some plum. Secondary notes of chocolate and earth with a hint of menthol. This is a smooth, plush wine with terrific structure and very long finish that is drinking beautifully now but still has a few years before it peaks. 100% Syrah from the Boushey Vineyard.
Excellent+
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