Today we focus on boutique winery, Lauren Ashton, which is celebrating their ten year anniversary this year. At the helm is the talented winemaker and dentist Dr. Kit Singh. It has been a joy for me to see how Dr. Singh’s winemaking style evolves over the past five years. I love the combination of mouthfeel and terroir that he is able to create in his wines. He also makes an under the radar Rose that is simply marvelous. Dr. Kit has a wide range of wine education, having previously studied enology and viticulture at South Seattle Community College and also took classes at University of California at Davis enology program before spending two years interning at famed DeLille Cellars in Woodinville. There is a very strong resemblance to the wines that Chris Upchurch makes with Dr. Kit’s style.
Wines by Lauren Ashton are sourced from a host of vineyards in both the Columbia Valley to Red Mountain. I absolutely loved the new 2018 Lauren Ashton Rose (WWB, 91) as this Rhone style wine has terrific intensity and a plush mouthfeel. Look for the 2014 Lauren Ashton Cabernet Franc (WWB, 91) as I love the classic herbal character in the wine and the wonderful range and richness. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at http://laurenashtoncellars.com/
2018 Lauren Ashton Rose- The 2018 Lauren Ashton Rose is a compelling blend of equal parts Grenache and Mourvedre (41% each), as well a equal parts Counoise and Cinsault (9% each). On the nose this takes on brilliant range from orange blossom to bright pear to kumquat and shades of guava. The palate is bright and has a touch of sweetness with a good sense of minerality. Cran-cherry, guava puree, and orange rind flavors all come together in the glass. Bright and downright delicious, this is best enjoyed over the next three years. Drink 2019-2022- 91
2018 Lauren Ashton ‘Cuvee Meline’ White Wine- The ‘Cuvee Meline’ is a beautiful white wine made by the talented Dr. Kit Singh. On the nose this has good range from honeysuckle to cantaloupe and shades of Pink Lady apple that all connect in the glass. The palate has a good combination of freshness and weigh, delivering bright orchard and citrus fruit flavors that combine with minerals and shades of wild mushroom. While delightful in its youth, this will evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2026- 91
2017 Lauren Ashton Chardonnay- The 2017 Lauren Ashton Chardonnay is another spectacular wine made by Dr. Kit Singh. The nose takes on a bright bouquet of kumquat with toasty brioche and Japanese pear aromatics. The palate shows a good degree of tension and mid-palate weight with melon and citrus fruit flavors that combine with minerals. Enjoy this over the next five plus years while the brightness takes center stage. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2014 Lauren Ashton Cabernet Franc- The 2014 Lauren Ashton Cabernet Franc is another beautiful wine from this estate. Translucent in color, I love the aromatic range here, from dill to red cherry preserves, to coffee grounds and spice cake aromas. The texture here is silky smooth as the wine unveils red and dark fruits with a good sense of balance. Refined and on the elegant side, this excellent new wine is best enjoyed over the next eight years. Drink 2019-2026- 91