Our first visit to Red Mountain was exciting, an promising, particularly kicking off the tour with Upchurch Vineyard. Chris Upchurch's mastery in bordeaux blend needs no introduction, suffice to say he was the founding winemaker at DeLille.
I picked up the 2020 Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc, a full and satiating Sauv Blanc, with balanced fruit and minerality, delivered with a full and luxurious mouthfeel. The 2020 LTL Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon was an absolute stunner, being completely harmonious in all elements of what makes a Red Mountain cab delicious.
2020 Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc Boushey Vineyard. 18 month concrete egg. A fuller and satiating Sauv blanc with lemongrass and citrus backbone, complemented with minerality and a full mouthfeel, with hint of pineapple and tropical fruit. $36. Score 93. 2021 LTL Mourvedre Rose 79% Mourvedre 21% Grenache, Columbia Valley. An attractive deep copper in the glass. An herbacious rose with a foundation of stewed strawberries and stone fruit, with hints of white pepper. $26. Score 91. 2020 Upchurch Vineyard Counterpart Blend 87% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Upchurch Vineyard. Dark fruit of blackberries, currants, and dusted cocoa on the palate with heavy tobacco and wood. Promising with more time. $55. Score 91. 2020 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 90% Cab, 10% Merlot. Upchurch Vineyard. Dark fruit, currants, and toffee, with touch of floral and herb notes. The Merlot shows, and offers a smooth palate. $85. Score 94. 2020 LTL Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Cab Sauv. Heart of the Hill Vineyard. Cassis, dark berries, and sweet spice, with an overall excellent balance of fruit, oak, tannins and acidity to deliver a smooth and satisfying cab. Harmonious. $72. Score 96.
