I love the consistent talent that has been through Walla Walla Community College’s enology and viticulture program. Jason Fox founded Lagana back in 2013. The winery now sources from some great vineyards including Sagemoor, Eritage and Seven Hills vineyards. I have enjoyed hanging out with Jason and talking wine. Humble and conscientious, he is gaining experience and precision at his craft. Jason now partners with Todd Bernave in Lagana Cellars winemaking as Todd had a career in fine art for fifteen years prior to getting into winemaking.
They both have done a really good job with crafting mineral-driven white wines and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2018 Lagana Cellars ‘Eritage Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) which has good finesse and a great sense of minerality. Even better was his 2018 Nox Perpetua Carmenere (OB, 91) which is gorgeous for the varietal showing good typicity and a sense of weight, alongside the veil of tension imparted. These guys have a bright future ahead. Learn more about these wines at http://www.laganacellars.com Here are the new wine releases by Lagana Cellars.
2020 Lagana Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2020 ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvingnon Blanc shows lemongrass and kiwi tones aromatically with shades of wet stone. The palate is bright with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Lighter pear and white grapefruit flavors mingle with suggestions of starfruit and damp earth on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 89
2018 Lagana Cellars ‘Eritage Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Eritage Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows nice bright pear and lemon zest tones with plenty of minerals and an inviting texture. Enjoy in the short-term while the good sense of freshness remains. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Lagana Cellars Rose- Brightly colored in the glass, this great new effort reveals a soft texture and plenty of nuance. Layers of watermelon and orange starburst candy mingle with shades of Yakima cherry and wet rocky soils on the palate. The great finish adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2018 Lagana ‘Breezy Slope Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Breezy Slope Vineyard’ Pinot Noir opens with lovely teaberry and damp earth tones alongside red raspberry and red cherry. The palate is juicy and quite literally jam-packed with flavor and novelty. Damp soil and Bing cherry tones collide with minerals and smoky undertones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that shows off its terroir. Drink 2021-2028- 91
2018 Lagana ‘Eritage Vineyard’ Malbec- A glass-staining purple, the 2018 ‘Eritage Vineyard’ Malbec opens with black tea, violets and black pepper tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and nicely textured, showing good mid-palate ripeness and flavor density. A great core of dark fruits greet you with shades of blueberry compote, tar and a dusting of white pepper. Fantastic now, enjoy this great wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2021-2029- 91
2018 Nox Eternelle Carmenere- Entirely sourced from the famed ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ this Carmenere reveals classic green bell pepper and green peppercorns aromatically alongside a good core of dark fruits. The palate is fresh and vibrant with good acidity and rich dark fruits that parade with chocolate cake, espresso bean and nice herbal undertones. Drink 2021-2029- 91