Auclair Winery was founded by Charlie Auclair, who first caught the wine bug when on a visit to Napa back in in 1988. He moved to Washington State in 1992 and settled down in western Washington before spending several years traveling the world, with tasting with stops in the Barossa and Yarra Valleys in Australia, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbasch and Constantia in South Africa, France, Spain and Washington and Oregon. He first made wine in the 2000 vintage, a Merlot, and then eight years later started Auclair Winery.
At Taste of Washington I had the opportunity to run through the solid lineup of Auclair wines. Auclair utilizes Red Mountain fruit. Particularly his red wines impressed, as they showed muscular features from the warm 2013 and 2014 vintages. The 2014 Auclair ‘Left Blend’ Red Wine (WWB, 90) was a solid, herbaceous blend that had wonderful richness and persistence. Herbal, ripe and novel, the 2013 Auclair Petite Verdot (WWB, 91) was a fantastic rendition of this varietal, showcasing bell pepper and peppercorn accents. Learn more about this winery at http://auclairwinery.com Here are the great new releases by Auclair.
2015 Auclair Sauvignon Blanc- This wine opens with aromatics of red apple, lemongrass, white peach and crushed wet rock. There are flavors of unripe pear, Gravenstein apple, vanilla and peach pit. This shows lovely structure. Drink 2017-2021- 89
2016 Auclair '96 Cedars' Semillon- This Iithe wine begins with aromatics of white peach, green apple and vanilla. There are flavors of beeswax, white peach and cantaloupe. Drink 2017-2022- 89
2014 Auclair 'Right Blend' Red Wine- Sourced from the Artz Vineyard, the wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. The red blend wine begins with aromatics of green peppercorn, black cherry, black olive and hints of mint. There are flavors of red cherry, black olive, sagebrush and hints of mint. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2014 Auclair 'Left Blend' Red Wine- This Cabernet wine, sourced from the Arts Vineyard, has 23% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot blended in. The wine starts with aromatics of black cherry, blackberry pie, sage and green bell pepper. There are flavors of black cherry, black olive, blackberry pie and creosote. This has wonderful richness and viscosity. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2013 Auclair 'Heart of the Hill Vineyard' Cabernet- This Cabernet begins with aromatics of black tea, bulls blood, black cherry and mocha. There are rich flavors of blackberry pie, coffee grounds and mint alongside heavy tannins. This needs a heavy decant before enjoying, as the tannins are fairly massive at this juncture. Drink 2017-2027- 90
2013 Auclair Cabernet Franc- This lovely Cabernet Franc wine, sourced from the Artz Vineyard, has 22% Merlot blended in. There are bright aromas of dried herbs, red cherry and red raspberry leading to flavors of black tea, black cherry, eucalyptus and green bell pepper. This is lovely and feminine style Cabernet Franc wine. Drink 2017-2026- 90
2013 Auclair Petit Verdot-This great earthy Petite Verdot wine opens with aromas of sagebrush, red cherry, red raspberry and suggestions of green bell pepper. There are flavors of blackberry pie, black tea, anise and green peppercorns. This wine is really hitting its stride right now. Drink 2017-2026- 91