This great winery was named after Veona LaRue Newell, winemaker Katy Wilson’s great-grandmother, who lived to be 97 years old. Hilariously, Veona was not pleased with the winery being named after her, stating “Well, I can’t say that you picked the best name in the world…”
Founded in 2009, LaRue Wines focuses on crafting Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Winemaker Katy Wilson attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and grew up on a walnut farm, to when she learned how to drive a tractor before a car. She has worked harvests in both the Northern & Southern Hemisphere and previously worked at Flowers Vineyard & Winery prior to starting her own winery. She also consults for a host of wineries in the Sonoma area. Katy’s new releases come from the warm 2015 vintage in Sonoma. I was amazed by her 2015 LaRue ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which showed wonderful range and a great minerality. Learn more about these exciting new wines at https://www.laruewines.com Here are the great new wines by LaRue.
2015 LaRue ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- This translucent colored wine shows off a nice range of aromatics from white pepper, to orange rind to bright red fruits. The palate reveals wonderful acidity and high toned flavors of citrus rind, guava and ripe strawberry with smoky undertones. This is a simply outstanding bottling by La Rue. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2015 LaRue ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The six acre Rice-Spivak Vineyard Pinot Noir is located south of the town of Sebastopol. Vines are set on Goldridge sandy loam along with volcanic ash.This starts off with bright aromas of rose petal with blood orange rind, smoke, red cherry preserves and guava puree. The aromatic range is simply gorgeous here. On the palate, the wine reveals a silky mouthfeel and wonderful minerality. With gobs of mouth-watering acidity, red and dark fruits mingle with spicy undertones. Highly complex and downright delicious, this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2030- 93