2013 Ad Lucem, Elaine’s Red, Columbia Valley, Oregon by Lady Hill Winery.
Jerry and Elaine Owen just started Lady Hill Winery in Oregon’s Columbia Valley in 2012 along with consulting winemaker Erik Brasher, they are Oregon veterans, Jerry had co-founded the famed Owen Roe and Erik had made wines at Argyle and raised his profile with top scoring wines at Owen Roe, so this project started off with sound footing. The Lady Hill Winery does a vast array of unique wines from Cabernet and Syrah to Italian varietals, but my friend and Sommelier Peter Steiner, who visited the winery recently, introduced me to their Rhone like blend Elaine’s Red under their Ad Lucem line. The 2013 Ad Lucem Elaine’s Red is a dark and spicy cuvee of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise and Durif (Petite Sirah) that folds together nicely with blackberry, brabble-berry, tangy cherry, plum and blueberry fruits along with briar, mocha notes, fresh cracked pepper, minty herbs and black licorice. There is not too much complexity to be found, but this was a lighter vintage and there is a lot of promise for future releases, though this little wine is very pleasing and well priced. Perfect for bistro drinking, it is also finished in Vino Lok (a glass closure) so there is not chance of cork taint, this well made Rhone inspired Oregon wine will be a tasty friend, drink well for another couple of years, best from 2015 to 2018. I am excited to see more wines and vintages from Ad Lucem by Lady Hill, be sure to keep an eye out for these!
($20 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
