LaRue

Articles About LaRue

Reviewed Wines

2017 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

12.5% alc., 50 cases, $ Allocated. Clone 4 planted in 1982. Aged for 17 months in French oak barrels. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of yellow citrus and peach draw you into the glass. A wine of sophistication and breeding that pleases on entry, in the middle and on the finish. There is plenty of lemon and yellow apple flavor but the wine does not veer to tropical California ripeness. A spear of acidity adds vitality, the bashful oak adds nuance and the uplifting, lip-smacking finish is memorable. A perfect marriage of pristine and invigorating natural acidity. Score: 95. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Thorn Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $ Allocated. Vineyard is planted west of the town of Sebastopol and 60is farmed by Ted Klopp and his daughter Lauren. Sourced from two blocks planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils to Pommard and 115 clones. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Forward aromas of dark cherry and gentle oak are enticing. A mid weight plus styled wine with features of black cherry and blueberry and a complimentary, subtle earthy tone. A little more ripeness and concentration than the Rice-Spivak bottling but equally enamoring. Commendable balance with a satiny mouthfeel. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $60. Released March 2018. Barrel fermented in once-used French oak barrels and aged for 17 months. · Moderately light but bright golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, stone fruits and alfalfa set the stage. Crisp and fresh in the mouth, with engaging flavors of lemon, white peach, buttered toast and pastry cream. Nicely composed, with some lingering fruit charm on the impressive finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. A blend of Rice-Spivak and Thorn Ridge vineyards. Dijon clones and Swan selection (Rice-Spivak) and 20-year-old Pommard and 115 clones (Thorn Ridge). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Fruit aromas of cherry and red berry along with the herbal character of whole cluster. Dark red and black cherry fruit flavors along with spice and savory herbs are featured in this mid weight styled wine. The wine is shot through with acidity creating plenty of energy. Score: 90. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 150 cases, $70. Sourced from a 6-acre vineyard south of the town of Sebastopol. Goldridge sand loam and volcanic ash soils. Dijon clones and Swan selection. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Seductive aroma of fresh cherry and baking spices. Delicious flavors of cherry and raspberry with an appealing accent of spice. Silky tannins, with concealed oak and an extremely long finish that seems to last a minute. Score: 93. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 150 cases, $70. Dijon clones and a Swan selection. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of fresh cherry and baking spices. Delicious flavors of cherry and raspberry with an appealing accent of spice. Silky tannins, with concealed oak, and an extremely long finish that seems to last a full minute. Reviewed July 2019. Score: 93. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 La Rue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 22 cases, $60. (allocated to mailing list customers). Aged 17 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Heady aromas of orchard fruits, butterscotch, and floral goodness that reminds of a walk in an orchard in blossom. The wine really perks up the senses with flavors of lemon, peach, pear and subtle vanilla. A floral note and saltiness chimes in as well. Very comforting, with a velvety mouthfeel and a quenching finish. I can just taste the Wente clone in this classy wine that embraces with perfect harmony. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Heintz=Hightz. Score: 95. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 240 cases, $60. Released October 2017. 100% destemmed. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is joyous, with aromas of cherry, pipe smoke, spice, and dried rose petal bringing more intensity over time in the glass. The core of cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors have impressive intensity and length and finish with uncommon generosity. Sleek, silky and balanced, finishing with juicy acidity. All you can ask for in an appellation wine. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 150 cases, $70. Release fall 2018. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black cherry, BBQ spice rub and floral perfume. Refined and gracious on the palate, with an amazingly generous core of black cherry fruit that seems to persist on the finish for minutes. A bit of spice and tobacco flavor adds intrigue. Not perfect, as some tannin shows up on the slightly tart finish, but this is still a very compelling wine. This vineyard is always my paramour among the LaRue stable of wines. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LaRue Thorn Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 100 cases, $70. Released March 2018. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Both red cherry and red berry fruit aromas along with earthy flora and mushroom aromas combine beautifully on the inviting nose. Comforting in the mouth, with good harmony, in a mid weight style featuring dark red fruit and savory herb flavors. The very long finish is notable for its generosity and refreshing cut. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 LaRue Coastlands Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., 50 cases, $80. Released October 2017. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose is quite savory, featuring aromas of earthy flora, cigar box and toasty oak. Light to mid weight in composure, with dark cherry and dark berry fruit flavors that have an earthy and feral quality. Oak adds more seasoning than I prefer. The fine-grain tannins are evident but not intrusive and there is only modest finishing length. I re-tasted this wine several hours after opening and the following day and still felt the oak treatment dominated the delicate fruit. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 La Rue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 180 cases, $60. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Crisp and refreshing, with bright aromas of black cherry and exotic spices replicated on the palate with added nuances of earth, mushroom and umami. Exquisitely balanced, this wine speaks of nobility and finishes with an infusion of vibrancy. Still engaging the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. You won’t find a better Sonoma Coast AVA bottling in the marketplace. Score: 92. Reviewed October 30, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.1% alc., 50 cases, $60. Vineyard planted in 1982 to Wente clone 4. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Scents of golden apple, wildflower honey and oily oak lead to a bright core of golden apple flavor enriched with notes of white peach and table grape. Nicely composed, with briny acidity and a comforting baby oil mouthfeel. Score: 91. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 70 cases, $70. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of darker fruits, almond paste and spices. Plenty of black cherry sap is buffered by savory herbs and spice. The wine has a sexy vibe and a positive message with a welcome lift on the finish. Oak chimes in currently with a little too much voice as a dried leaf flavor, but this should ameliorate with more time in bottle and will appeal to those who relish savory input in Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed October 30, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 70 cases, $70. A 3- acre vineyard near the town of Freestone planted to Dijon clones in Goldridge sandy loam soils. The vineyard’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and high elevation at 800 feet contribute to its character. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Fruit-driven aromas of dark red cherry and berry with a hint of sarsaparilla and floral intricacy. Impressive fortitude on the palate with mid weight flavors of an array of well-ripened cherries and berries. The wine sports gentle tannins and an extremely long finish. Very soothing, offering power in a velvet glove character. Score: 95. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 150 cases, $70. A 6-acre vineyard south of the town of Sebastopol. Dijon clones and Swan selection are planted in Goldridge sandy loam with volcanic ash that gives wines from this vineyard an unmistakable spice and minerality character. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine is exotically spiced as typical for this vineyard. The aromas arrive over time in the glass to accolades, offering hi-tone aromas of dark cherry, burnt tobacco, vanilla, rose petal and spice. The whole cluster character infuses the mid weight core of cherry, raspberry and blueberry fruit flavors. The polished mouthfeel appeals, and the citrus imbued finish is up lifting. The wine seems to gain traction over time, releasing its charms in steps. Glorious when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 LaRue Thorn Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., 50 cases, $70. This vineyard is is farmed by Ted Klopp who also farms Klopp Ranch Vineyard. This wine is a blend of Pommard and 115 clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of ripe berries, black cherry, spice and fertile earth lead to a middleweight fashioned wine with a solid grip of black cherry and black raspberry fruits. Very engaging on the mid palate and finish, with a silk and satin mouthfeel, a deft touch of oak, and up lifting acidity on the WOW finish. Noticeably better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 LaRue Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

26 months · Very pleasant aromas of red berry, rose petal, burnt tobacco, spice and Herbs d’ Provence. Light in weight but imposing black cherry and raspberry flavors with a hint of tobacco and spice. Excellent harmony with a very generous and lengthy finish. Definitely some whole cluster input but integrated. Previously 90 Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 235 cases, $60. A blend of grapes from Rice-Spivak (Dijon clones and Swan selection) and Emmaline Ann (Dijon clones) vineyards. Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of cherry, wilted rose, tobacco and spice. Whole cluster inclusion is evident in the array of flavors that include dark berries, black cherry, black plum, and a hint of stem. Intense entry, attack and finish with prominent citrus-fueled acidity in the background. The acidity sticks out as sharp and steely, particular on the lemony finish. Score: 89. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 LaRue Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 52 cases, $70. From a 3-acre vineyard near the town of Freestone. Dijon clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of macerated cherries, rose petal, nutmeg and Christmas spices. All silk and satin on the palate with a lip-smacking core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit accented with a touch of stem and oak. A citrus-driven acidity note hovers in the background that leads to a mildly tart finish. The acidity is noticeable but better integrated than in the Sonoma Coast bottling. Score: 90. Reviewed November 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 125 cases, $70. Sourced from a 6-acre vineyard south of the town of Sebastopol. Goldridge sandy loam and volcanic ash soils. Dijon and Swan clones. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass with an unfiltered appearance. Intoxicating aromas of sweet cherries, exotic spices and rose petal. Admirable richness and fullness on the mid palate with saucy flavors of cherries, spice, smoke and jerky. A floral note lurks in the background. Melded tannins, vivacious acidity and long on the finish. Amazing phenolic concentration at this low ABV. Did I mention superb balance? Score: 93. Reviewed May 11, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 LaRue Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 50 cases, $75. This iconic vineyard’s fruit goes primarily into COBB bottlings. The vineyard sits at 900 to 1,200 feet elevation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A blend of Pommard, Martini and Wädenswil clones. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate cherry red color in the glass. This wine is a whole cluster wonderland. Aromas of exotic spices, black cherry and wood sap lead to mid weight styled wine with many nuances including dark red raspberry, cherry, cranberry, tea leaf, gingerbread spice, bourbon and smoke flavors. Flat-out delicious, with a silky demeanor, tight acidity, cashmere tannins and welcome finishing interest. There is plenty to ponder in this elegantly styled wine that will especially appeal to whole cluster fans. Score: 93. Reviewed May 11, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 La Rue Emmaline Ann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.4% alc. The whole cluster-inspired nose offers aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco and spicer. · Moderately light in color and feminine in style but packs a flavor punch. A deep core of cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruit flavors is elevated by a burst of acidity. Silken in texture with gossamer tannins and a generously fruity finish. Drinking at its peak now. Score: 93. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2012 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 220 cases, $60. A blend of Rice-Spivak and Emmaline Ann vineyards. Dijon clones and Swan selection. Goldridge sandy loam soils at both sites. Aged 17 months in 35% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of whole cluster goodness in this wine with aromas of cherry, raspberry, cola, rose and spice. An elegant wine. but packs plenty of flavorful spiced cherry and raspberry fruits with a note of pomegranate, cranberry and rose water in the background. High grade tension, nicely accented with oak, finishing with crisp, tart cherry goodness. Score: 91. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 LaRue Emmaline Ann Vineyard, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., 50 cases, $70. Sourced from a 3-acre vineyard near the town of Freestone. Dijon clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels.

Note: LaRue wines are sold by owner and winemaker Katy Wilson through a mailing list at www.laruewines.com.

· Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A feminine wine that has held up beautifully over time. Despite its relatively light color and lighter body, this wine delivers plenty of deep aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, blueberry and spice. There is a vein of whole cluster goodness running through. A silky mouthfeel benefits from gossamer tannins. Still refined and classy as I noted in my December 10, 2014 review and drinking at its peak now. Rated 94 previously and still Score: 94. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2012 LaRue Emmaline Anne Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., 50 cases, $70 (two bottlesper person). From a 3-acre vineyard near the town of Freestone. Dijon clones are planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Similar to the Sonoma Coast bottling, but a step up in nuance and sophistication. Wondrous aromas of wilted rose, red cherry and spice led to a delicious palate of crisp, juicy red plum, cherry and red raspberry fruits. A faint note of oak and floral bouquet lurks in the background. Refined and classy, with a mouthwatering finish. Score: 94. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 LaRue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.6% alc., 125 cases, $70. Clones are 115, 667 and Swan. Less than 5% whole cluster. Aged 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very exotic aromatic profile brimming with alluring scents of black cherry, spice, rose petal and a hint of sweet oak. The nose reminds of one that reflects whole cluster fermentation. This is a special wine of charm and character, offering juicy cherry fruit that dances across the palate. Accents of spice and flower bouquet add interest. The experience is bright and energetic with great harmony and elegance. The wine offers a refreshing cut of acidity on the long finish that seduces with spiced cherry and red berry fruits. Very difficult to keep from drinking the whole bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed May 4, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 LaRue Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 50 cases, $75. First planted in 1989 by the Cobb family, the vines are among the oldest on the Sonoma Coast. Clones are Pommard, Martini and Wädenswil. 15% whole cluster. Aged 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is somewhat subdued but very pleasing, offering aromas of darker red fruits, balsam, vanilla and sous-bois. Very intense and saturating on the palate with an explosion of fresh cherry and raspberry fruits that are flat out delicious. A little more structured, sappy and masculine with a touch more oak overlay than the Rice- Spivak bottling. The finish is remarkable for its persistence, generosity and juicy acidity. This wine was even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, displaying the fat, silken richness that only Pinot Noir can achieve. Score: 96. Reviewed May 4, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 La Rue Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 47 cases, $N/A (allocation only). Katy’s first vineyard-designated wine. This vineyard is 6-acres located south of the town of Sebastopol. Soils are Goldridge sandy loam and volcanic ash (the ash is unusual for this area). Dijon clones. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels, then aged another year in bottle before release. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A high brow nose featuring scents of cherries jubilee, baking spice and dried rose petals. Charming in every way, with fresh, bright cherry and raspberry flavors accented with spice. Noticeably seamless and elegant with an endlessly long peacock finish that lasts over a minute. Totally amazing and impossible to score. Score: 97. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 139 cases, $60. Aged 17 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. An “Oh Man” nose with vibrant aromas of black cherry pie glaze, cranberry relish, spice cabinet and the slightest oak, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Juicy and refined on the palate with a perfectly ripened, dark red cherry core and what seems like whole cluster spice. Slightly earthy with supple tannins, floating over the palate in an ephemeral jaunt, picking up power as it goes until the finish explodes in delightful exuberance. When tasting this one, I had to swallow. Score: 95. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 310 cases, $68. Aged 16 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Heavenly aromas of Bing cherry, mushroom, rose petal, underbrush, · spice and everything nice. Delicious essence of black cherries complimented by a hint of spice and herbs. Impeccably balanced with luxurious texture and a big, deeply flavored, cherry finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2009 LaRue Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 300 cases, $60. A blend of three coastal vineyards near the towns of Occidental and Sebastopol. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of black cherries, plum sauce, violets, hay barn and spice. Intense presence on the palate without weight, offering flavors of black cherries and red and dark berries with an underpinning of savory herbs, finishing with a hint of citrus peel and impressive fruit presence. Very soft and seductive in the mouth with supportive tannins and lively acidity, all in balance. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »