2021 La Gran Flor Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)-92 Pts
2021 La Gran Flor Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)-92 Pts
The 2021 La Gran Flor Blanc is the first vintage with fruit coming from the famous Boushey vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Our first interaction with fruit from Dick and Luanne Boushey’s Tauro block was in 2016 working for a client and we fell in love at first sip. They were gracious enough to allow us to buy fruit from this same block in 2021 after we left our original source for La Gran Flor Blanc that we had been using since 2012. The wine was fermented exclusively in 100% new French oak LUMEN barrels that are proprietary to our owner and winemaker.
2021 ALLEROMB – LA GRAN FLOR BLANC
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc
Aging: 10 months in 100% new French oak 265L LUMEN barrels.
AVA: Yakima Valley
Alcohol: 13.9%
Vintage:
In 2021 we saw an early bud break due to a dry winter and warm start to spring. We had cold nights early in the season that threatened frost damage across the Columbia Valley but warm to hot early season growing conditions led to a smaller crop than usual. There was tremendous heat in late June with temperatures peaking in the range of 110-118 degrees Fahrenheit and continuing for nearly 3 weeks. Yields were low and in the case of Sauvignon Blanc quality was high due to a beneficial cooling later in August and into the early fall. Color overall on reds was significantly less than the previous decade but Washington typically has an abundance of anthocyanin so wines will still be well colored but less so than previous and post vintages.
Wine:
The 2020 La Gran Flor Blanc was harvested at night and whole cluster pressed. The wine was then fermented exclusively in 100% new French oak LUMEN barrels that are proprietary to our owner and winemaker. The combination of aromatic intensity, palate presence and staggering length make this the finest La Gran Flor Blanc produced to date.
Winemaker notes:
Explosive nose of crystallized lemon peel, apricot skin, citrus blossom and candied lychee. Swirling brings up hints of brioche and white tea with spun sugar and orange marmalade. The palate has great volume with dense stone fruits, candied citrus and a long structured finish. This wine is so wound up and expressive you should pour out a few ounces and let it sit for 30-45min before service.
Vinous:
Expansive nose of plum and currant puree, cocoa powder, lavender and sage with a hint of dried hardwood spice. Swirling adds sweetness to the rich black fruits, as it continues its towering display of complex fruit, spice and saline. An elegant monster of a wine, with incredible volume and presence, intermixed with extremely fine, penetrating tannins and floral undertones. Another level of power and sophistication in this Última.
