91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
One of the best way’s to find value in the world of wine is to travel off the beaten path a little bit, where prices are driven by wine quality instead of hype. Interestingly, sometimes these lesser known areas have been producing wine for a long time in relative obscurity. Such is the case with the Santa Cruz Mountain areas, which despite being home to such vineyards as Ridge’s Monte Bello and the original Paul Masson and Martin Ray vineyards has not gained the fame of Napa and Sonoma. Today’s Heist comes from Clos LaChance, a new family winery in the Santa Cruz area carrying on the tradition of exquisite wine in this area, while specializing in small “backyard” vineyards in unique spots throughout the region.
The 2008 Clos LaChance Lila’s Cuvee is a red Rhone-style blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Grenache. It is medium purple in color, with a dark, brooding nose of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, and graham cracker. The palate is lighter, medium in body with berry, cherry, and cocoa flavors accompanied by mineral and spice notes, held together with refreshing acidity and round tannins. We snagged this one as a special pre-release, and so are able to offer it at just $30, a 25% discount and a great opportunity to stock up on a versatile red and perfect for the cold winter months ahead.
Vineyards
Fruit for Lila’s Cuvée is sourced 100% from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard in San Martin. The 150-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999-2000. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing our winemaker with a spice rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fertigation) were also installed on site, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
Winemaking
The different varietals Lila’s Cuvée were hand-harvested, sorted and de-stemmed to separate stainless steel tanks to cold soak for up to 72 hours. During fermentation, punch downs took place up to 4 times per day at the peak. Once dry, the wine was drained and pressed to 100% French oak barrels, 30% new, to complete malolactic fermentation and age for 16 months. This wine racked back to tank, blended and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Appellation: Central Coast
Harvest Dates: Oct. 1-28, 2008
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.52
TA: 0.65
Bottling Dates: May 19, 2010
Release Date: May, 2011
Total Cases: 176
Blend: 36% Syrah, 34% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 1%Mouvèdre, 1% Carignane
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
PDF