David LeClaire, Seattle Wine Writer and Sommelier Reviews Rush Lattin Cellars Wines
The "Rush Lattin Project," as I've called it, has increasingly grown into an obsession for winemaker Larry Ransom, while his wife, Michelle has slowly learned to embrace the increasing investment of time and resources. And for a good reason, the wines he's making are simply stunning, and when you get to drink wine that good every day, the excitement is inevitable.
Last year I had the opportunity to experience this obscure, tiny production winery I had never heard of, and left thoroughly impressed with the quality and polish their wines had. It was obvious to me Larry was all in. Yet after a second visit this year, I was even more impressed with the 2018 releases. So rich, velvety, dense, concentrated, balanced. And while tasting through some unbelievable 2019's and 2020 vintages from the barrel, the future looks even more incredible, if that's possible.
Sure, they have amazing fruit sources and expensive barrels. But the key to the success of Rush Lattin will undoubtedly be attributed to Larry Ransom's obsession, obsessed with every little detail that can be considered to create a "great" wine, not just settling for a good wine. I look forward to seeing, and experiencing, what the future holds for this delightful couple and Rush Lattin wines.
David LeClaire, Sommelier
The Wine Panel, Seattle Uncorked, Esquin Wine Merchants
Originally Published April 2021
DAVID LECLAIRE BIO
David LeClaire is a certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and currently serves as Wine Ambassador for Esquin Wine & Spirits with a Wine of The Week feature he writes and is sent to over 30,000 enthusiasts. David is the founder of Seattle Uncorked and produces a wide array of wine, spirits, and beer events each year.
During the COVID era David has been frequently featured as a guest for many virtual meetings and conferences in formats such as "Ask The Wine Expert."
David is an instructor for North Seattle College, and serves as judge for various wine competitions including The Wine Panel, Sip Magazine's Best of the NW, and the Seattle Wine Awards. Mr. LeClaire is also a free-lance writer for the Washington Tasting Room Magazine.
He was also the founder of Wine World & Spirits, which at its' inception was the largest independent wine store in the Northwest, and was awarded the "2013 Independent Retailer of the Year" award by the Washington Wine Commission. David LeClaire previously served as wine director at Seattle's prestigious Alexis Hotel (& Painted Table Restaurant) for ten years.
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