Lauren Ashton Cellars was founded in 2009 by Kit Singh. A Dentist by profession, Kit’s passion for wine was fueled by trips to Napa, Sonoma and Europe’s best known wine regions. Kit’s enology background includes classes at UC Davis and Seattle Community College along with an internship at Delille Cellars.
The inspiration for the name of the winery was Kit’s two children, Ashley Lauren and Ashton Troy. The packaging for the wines is impressive. The black and white pictures on the labels are from buildings in Estonia where Singh’s partner, Riinu Rammal, is from.
I was fortunate enough to recently try the wineries new releases.
2013 Lauren Ashton Cuvée Arlette – Violet in color. 14.6% ABV. 59% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Malbec and 1.5% Petit Verdot. Brooding nose of red fruits, anise and cedar. Big, structured and complex. Raspberries, cherries, black currants and dark chocolate on the palate. The finish is long and sweet with silky tannins. Approachable not but this will benefit from 3-5 years in the cellar. $55 at the winery and retail. To be released on 6/18. My rating: 93 points.
2016 Lauren Ashton Cuvée Méline – Light gold in color. 13.5% ABV. 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc. Vibrant nose of fresh flowers, pear and lemon zest. Medium body with medium acidity. Soft and round on the palate. The finish is long and somewhat plush. Drink over the next 1-2 years. $28 at the winery and retail. To be released on 6/18. My rating: 91 points.
2016 Lauren Ashton Rosé – Salmon colored. 13.5% ABV. 52% Grenache, 28% Counnoise and 20% Mourvedre. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and flowers. Crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness and medium acidity. Strawberries, cranberries and rhubarb on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Drink this Spring and Summer. $21 at the winery and retail. To be released on 4/22. My Rating 90 points.
Lauren Ashton Cellars is set to release their 2016 Rosé to the general public later this month on April 22 and April 23. Along with wife and co-owner Riinu Rammal, Kit and the team at Lauren Ashton Cellars selected Susan G. Komen Puget Sound as this year’s beneficiary for the Rosé release weekend. A portion of proceeds from sales during the Rosé release weekend will be donated to the local chapter. All the more reason to buy by the case!
The Woodinville tasting room is open Thursday thru Sunday from 1pm to 5pm and is a worthwhile stop on your next winery excursion.
These reviews were based on a samples provided by the winery.
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