Elena Walch Lagrein | 2020

I admit it, Lagrein is not my go-to variety, as I often find it weedy, and as I like to say, "Rustico!" Elena Walch, though, is the perfect estate to handle this burly grape. It's an estate known for making varietally correct wines with enough polish and pizzazz to appeal to many palates, Old World to New. I really like this Lagrein. It reminds me of a sensual Malbec, stunning with dark fruits and Christmas spice. Planted in the warmer, lower lying sites that face southeast to southwest, the wine was aged in French and Slavonian oak, ranging from 700-liters to 2,200-liters. French oak is good for Lagrein, it melts its rustic edges and tames its savory persona with sweet and fragrant spice. On the palate, big blackberries, holiday fruitcake with its dried squishy bits, and bitter chocolate roll over the palate. It's creamy and decadent, yet it still squeezes into a "Slim fit." If you're looking for an alternative to a Bordeaux grape, then try Walch's Lagrein — it's extroverted, tasty, and totally crowd pleasing. I'm a fan. ~Allegra A