I stopped by Love That Red on a whim to taste some Rose during the end of April, but was very impressed by the rest of their lineup. With a Derby Horse (Red) inspired name, LTR puts some extra time in their oak barrels (we're talking up to 5 years). The result are some well balanced, bold reds, with a nice portfolio of offerings.
2021 Love that Rose All Day GSM. An attractive pale rose gold in the glass. Light, racy grapefruit, lemon, and zest. Refreshing, without weighing down the palate. Score 90.
2021 Love that Rose Tempranillo about 50%, and GSM. Beautiful nose of peach, rose perfume. A sturdy rose, fragrant rose, body of white peach soft lemon finish $25. Score 93.
2017 Love That Cab Franc Columbia Valley. An amazingly well balanced, rich, luscious cab franc. Juicy blueberries swirling in sweet spice, with subtle green peppercorn. The finish is warm and long. $45. Score 96. 2018 Fillies & Mares Grenache Rocks district. Gorgeous bouquet nose, sweet flowers and perfume, dried apricots. Smooth and silky on the palate with dense strawberries and crushed cherries, balanced with savory notes of herb and wet stone. Finish is long with white pepper, and smooth tannins. $55. Score 96. 2017 Stakes Race Syrah Walla Walla. Sweet nose mixed with black pepper. The palate is complex and powerful with subdued dark fruit, and red cherries, stone, oak, and vanilla, and chewy tannins. Initially rushing, then softens, developing lingering finish of pepper and earth. $55. Score 95. 2017 Seattle Slew Cabernet Blend of cab, merlot, PV, Syrah. Leather and tobacco, chocolate nose. Smooth and velvety, and full on the palate, dancing with cassis, blackberries, with a pleasant balance of vanilla and oak. $55. Score 95.
While it is hard to pick, I loved the 2017 Grenache, which I found unique, with its beautiful bouquet aromas, and nice long finish, it offered a more complex and satisfying Grenache than typical. The 2017 Love That Cab Franc showed great balance, and the 2017 High Stakes offers a nice robust, dark Syrah.
