2015 Laz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

Cult Power Duo: Welch & Laz

There’s a new player in the tight circle of cult Napa Cabernet: Kerrin Laz. As the former wine director for Dean & Deluca International, she had unprecedented access to the most sought-after wines in California. When Laz decided to craft her own, she went straight to the top, and pegged Celia Welch, a legend, whose Scarecrow wines have earned three 100-point scores from Robert Parker. Laz also knew that with the rising demand for premium Napa Valley fruit from great grower vineyards, working with Celia would allow her access to some of the best vineyard sources seldom available to others. Together, Welch and Laz crafted a monumental work of art with the debut of LAZ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn off of some of Welch’s favorite Napa Valley vineyards—including a portion of coveted sites in Rutherford, Oakville, Spring Mountain and Pritchard Hill. The 2015 LAZ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines stunning fruit, Celia’s gifted hand in winemaking, and Laz’s intricate knowledge and impeccable taste—a perfect inaugural trifecta if ever there was one. Crushed violets, black and blue fruits, tinged with incense and tobacco under a lush tannic structure. 180 cases (or 7 barrels) were produced. In restaurants only, until today—I’ve managed to secure a generous allocation for Wine Access clients, at $165 per bottle.
 
Having known Kerrin Laz for several years and being familiar with her passion and dedication to California cult wines I was thrilled to find out she was producing a wine—I knew she would knock it out of the park with this project, which cut no corners in pursuit of excellence.
 
Winemaker Celia Welch has become a bright and consistent source of impressive wines. Aside from Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon, she makes wine for Barbour Vineyards and she also produces her own brand, Corra Wines. Over the years she has established herself amongst the top winemakers in Napa Valley backed up by several impressive scores and a countless number of followers.
 
Just 180 cases of the 2015 vintage of LAZ Cabernet Sauvignon were produced. This seductive wine combines 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. An impressive 96-point score was awarded by Deb Dunnuck, who recognized the beauty and purity of a beautifully-crafted release, from a team that is brimming with passion for what they do.
 
Starting with this vintage Kerrin is donating part of her 2015 vintage proceeds to Inspire Napa Valley (INV), a non-profit organization founded by Laz in partnership with Alzheimer’s Association. INV’s purpose is to raise critical funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in Napa Valley, with proceeds directed to advance cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research worldwide and support families in Northern California with care. The first-ever Inspire Napa Valley event was held this past May and raised over $1 million to support the Alzheimer's Association.
 
LAZ Cabernet Sauvignon is a true Napa Valley gem. Currently, it is available at restaurants only including The French Laundry, Press Restaurant, REDD, Mustard’s Grill, Morimoto Napa, Bottega and now, on Wine Access.