An excellent Walla Walla Winery focusing on high quality white wines, Lagana Cellars was founded by Jason Fox in 2013. Jason is asomewhat recent graduate of the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program, and sources from some of the best vineyards in the state, including Sagemoor and Seven Hills vineyards. A downright awesome guy to chat wine with, I recently had a chance to stop by his downtown Walla Walla tasting room, located near the Marcus Whitman hotel. Jason talked about his excitement for the recent vintages in Washington.

I think he has done an excellent job with his white wines in some warm and challenging vintages where acidity is paramount. He performed well with a warm vintage Sauvignon Blanc as his 2014 Lagana Cellars ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 90) shows a wonderful astringency and cut grass flavors. Even better was his 2014 Lagana Cellars ‘Minnick Hills’ Syrah (WWB, 92) which has wonderful terroir and range, as well as tension. Learn more about these wines at http://www.laganacellars.com Here are the new wine releases by Lagana Cellars.

2016 Lagana Cellars ‘Cockburn Ranch’ Chardonnay- The Cockburn Ranch Chardonnay was aged in 100% stainless steel. There are aromatics of red delicious apple, white peach and white flowers. This leads to flavors of vanilla cream, Bartlett pear and a touch of banana. The structure is lovely as this is done in the refreshing style. Only 82 cases made. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2014 Lagana Cellars ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2014 Sagemoor Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that shows wonderful freshness. Sourced from block 309, on the eastern side of the esteemed Sagemoor Vineyards, this opens with a bouquet of honeysuckle, Pazzaz apple and lychee with cut grass accents. The mineral streak is impressive, showing Key lime, white grapefruit and tamarind flavors. While the fruit is subtle, the structure is marvelous. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2014 Lagana ‘Breezy Slope Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2014 Lagana Cellars 'Breezy Slope Vineyard' Pinot Noir is a great warm vintage wine. The wine underwent 33% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in largely neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. This vineyard is located just outside of Walla Walla on the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The wine begins with aromas of rose petals, red cherry and hints of blood orange. This has a plush texture as the wine shows off red fruits and has a famine edge and finishes with some lighter citrus elements. Drink 2017-2025- 90

2015 Nox Perpetua ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Carmenere- Crafted by Jason Fox of Lagana Cellars, the 2015 Nox Perpetua Carmenere was aged in 42% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. This has a very deep core with aromatics of dark fruits, white pepper and suggestions of baking spices. This has marvelous weight and texture, showcasing blackberry jam, black tea, Asian spices and suggestions of nutmeg. This is delicious, rich and lithe wine that will cellar beautifully over the next decade. Drink 2017-2025- 91

2014 Lagana Cellars ‘Minnick Hills’ Syrah- The 2014 'Minnick Hills Vineyard' Syrah by Lagana Cellars is an outstanding, terroir driven release from a warm vintage. Smoky, earthy and aromatically gorgeous, this wine opens with creosote, bacon fat, red currant and red cherry aromatics. This leads to deep flavors of smoked pork shoulder, black olive tapenade, crushed mint, and sagebrush accents. This has wonderful weight, poise and concentration, as this is a gorgeous effort that is best enjoyed in the short-term made by talented head winemaker Jason Fox. Drink 2017-2024. 92