The Lechuza Estate
- Lechuza is a family run, miniscule production winery that makes most of its wine from estate vineyards. Their winery and vineyards are located near the end of the Valle de Guadalupe at an elevation of 900 ft, approximately 12 miles from the Pacific. Vineyards slope gently to the northwest.
- In addition to using the fruit from their estate vineyard, which is organically farmed, they source their chardonnay from a select site in Valle de San Vicente very close to sea level less than a mile from the Pacific.
- The term "family operated" runs very true to course here, with their entire staff for harvest consisting of 6 people, one of whom is their precocious 4-year-old.
- Their "Amantes" and "Nebbiolo" are featured on the wine list of the French Laundry.
Total production: 5 wines, 2,200 cases
2018 Nebbiolo - Lechuza
Tasting Notes and Drinking Window:
Considered by many to be the reference point of what is being called "Mexican Nebbiolo", this is a wine with a weight and presence that wants to pair with a big fatty steak and be served slightly under room temperature to bring forth what modesty it contains. Rich and high in tannins, it delivers notes of vanilla, blackberry, tar, dried herbs, clay pot and the fresh breeze that blows in off the Pacific Ocean near which their vineyards lie. Powerful and ready to show everyone the upper end of the magnitude that Mexican Nebbiolo can offer, drink this now and over the next 10 years.
Only 110 cases made
Drinking window: Upon release (with a decant) - 10 years
Vintage:
2018
Blend:
100% Nebbiolo
Producer:
Lechuza
Winemaker:
Kristin Schute - American born, now a Mexican citizen
Vineyards:
Valle de Guadalupe - Estate vineyards, 900 ft elevation, composed of red clay and sandy loam
Aging:
Fermented on the skins and seeds in French and American oak barrels, racked and then aged for an 29 months in French and American oak of 2nd and 3rd use.
Farming:
Sustainable
Alcohol:
15%
