Lauren Ashton Cellars

Lauren Ashton CellarsWe have been fans of Lauren Ashton Cellars since late 2012, when we met winemaker and owner Kit Singh at numerous wine events and tasted his lovely wines. So we were delighted to receive a shipment of two stunning new releases — 2020 Cuvée Meline and 2015 Proprietor’s Reserve Cuvée. Most importantly, these wines are available at the Lauren Ashton Cellars Tasting Studio in Woodinville as well as online. Read on for more.

Lauren Ashton Cellars

If you are looking for a Washington winery that produces consistently great wine at a decent price point, look no further than Lauren Ashton Cellars. Winemaker Kit Singh’s motto, “True Washington Character,” is evident in every sip we’ve tasted. Specifically, his wines range from friendly to seductive to impressive. Our first experience was with the 2011 Columbia Valley Syrah, a robust, complex 100% Syrah that was smooth and rich. Next, the silky, elegant 2011 Red Mountain Reserve Syrah was even better. And the list goes on and on.

Certainly, his two recent releases, which we were fortunate enough to sample courtesy of the winery, continue in the fine tradition we’ve come to know and respect: extraordinary wines for an enduring value.

2020 Cuvée Meline (SRP $28)

Lauren Ashton Cellars Cuvee Meline bottle

Cuvée Meline is a clean and crisp, yet luscious white Bordeaux blend of Sémillon (55%) and Sauvignon Blanc (45%), featuring freshness, balance, high acidity and some minerality. Floral notes turn into grapefruit, lemon and green apples. This will be a  super summer sipper with cheese and prawns on the deck, or with fresh seafood all year long. Consequently, Kit suggests pairing it with fresh seafood served with zesty sauces and garlic, or colorful antipasto platters.

2015 Proprietor’s Reserve Cuvée (SRP $65)

Lauren Ashton Cellars Proprietor's Cuvee bottleWe have loved every vintage of this luxurious Bordeaux-styled blend. And for us, the potential for this release is similar to the previous vintage. Why? Because Kit added our favorite Cab Franc to the 2014 vintage and kept it in this one. Firstly, the 2015 is an elegant, complex blend of 50% Cab Sauvignon, 25% Cab Franc, 17% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot. Moreover, luscious dark fruit flavors and hints of spice follow a nose of cherries, blackberries and plum. Textured and balanced, this plush Cuvée will pair with grilled meats, pork or lamb dishes.

Summary

In conclusion, as we’ve said in the past, we highly recommend stopping by Lauren Ashton Cellars Tasting Studio in the Hollywood District of Woodinville. Or if you’re not in the area, their impressive wines are online.

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Cheers!
Margot and Dave