Located in Woodinville, Lauren Ashton was founded only a few years back in 2009 by dentist Dr. Kit Singh. I was only introduced to these wines a year ago and I was extremely impressed. Kit’s 2013 Lauren Ashton Cellars Rousanne (WWB, 92) was #69 on my 2015 Washington Wine Blog Top 100. It was a gorgeous effort that wonderfully showcases the structure and fruit of the varietal. Kit is a highly talented winemaker and his wines are gaining more and more national recognition. Kit first became introduced into the wine world in college and he learned more throughout his travels to Napa and Sonoma. Kit had a thirst for knowledge and began taking viticulture and enology education at South Seattle Community College and then furthered his education from the illustrious University of California at Davis enology program. He then interned at South Seattle Community College, Seattle and spent two years interning at DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, one of Woodinville’s finest. These internships greatly helped in his education as winemaker. Like many winemakers, he began his winemaking journey making wine in his garage, but he knew that would lead to something much bigger. With Kit’s background in science, he has an upper hand in the winemaking process, as he is constantly measuring the wine and tasting for variances. In 2009 Kit made everything official by founding Lauren Aston Cellars, naming the winery after the names of his two children, Ashley Lauren and Ashton Troy.
Kit sources from a range of fruit from Columbia Valley to Red Mountain. These are some of the best vineyards in the state including Quintessence, Weinbau, Sagemoor, Ambassador and Dineen vineyards. His new releases were highly impressive, none more than his 2012 Proprietor’s Blend (WWB, 94 points), which beautifully captures the delicate art of blending. His new release 2012 Syrah (WWB, 93 points) was a powerful, rich and viscous effort that is delicious straight out of the bottle and offers excellent value at $35.00. Learn more about the winery at http://laurenashtoncellars.com/
Here are some of the fantastic new release wines from Lauren Ashton Cellars: #laurenashton #laurenashtoncellars
2014 Lauren Ashton Riesling- This wine was sourced from the Dineen vineyard and has aromas of pear, nutmeg, and poached pear. There are flavors of red delicious apple, poached pear, starfruit and crushed wild flowers. Lovely combination of fruit and structure. Drink 2016-2022- 90
2012 Lauren Ashton Semillon- This Semillon begins with aromas of brioche, ripe banana and golden delicious apple. There are flavors of red delicious apple, unripe pear, brioche toast and honeydew melon. Delicious and open effort. Drink 2016-2021- 91
2014 Lauren Ashton Chardonnay- This wine comes from Harker vineyard. This wine begins with aromas of mango, starfruit, brioche and ripe pear. There are flavors of Gala apple, navel orange, pear and starfruit. This has lovely texture and richness. Drink 2016-2023- 92
2011 Lauren Ashton Cuvee Estelle-This is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot. The wine opens with aromas of red currant, red cherry, blackberry pie and dill. Leading to flavors of red currant, red cherry, dill, red bell pepper and blackberry with sage. Herbaceous and tasty effort. Drink 2016-2023- 91
2012 Lauren Ashton Syrah- This comes from the Ambassador Vineyard on Red Mountain. He wine has aromas of smoke, sage, blackberry and anise. Flavors of black cherry, black olive, creme de cassis and sage. This is absolutely delicious right now. Drink 2016-2025- 93
2011 Lauren Ashton Reserve Syrah- This comes from the Ambassador Vineyard on Red Mountain. The wine has aromas of sagebrush, anise, black olive and red cherry. Flavors of black cherry, snise, smoke and black olive. Lovely got the vintage. Drink 2016-2022- 92
2012 Lauren Ashton Proprietor's Cuvee- This wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet, 19% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. The blend has aromas of smoke, red cherry, blackberry and with sage and mocha. Flavors of mocha, red cherry, red raspberry, green bell pepper and anise. Delicious and layered effort that truly captures the art of blending. Drink 2016-2026- 94
2012 Lauren Ashton Malbec- This wine comes from the Upland vineyard. It has aromas of smoked meats, blueberry compote, rose retails and lovely aromatics. Flavors of blueberry preserves, blackberry, mocha and anise persist. This wine is rich and polished, showing a wonderful range of flavors. Drink 2017-2024- 92