LaRue Wines

LaRue started in 2009. It was my eighth harvest and I was working as the associate winemaker at Kamen Wines. I knew that I wanted to make wine for myself but I thought it was going to take a few more years.  Then months before that 2009 harvest, three winemaker friends opened up the door for me. One offered to share fruit from these fantastic Sonoma Coast vineyards that I loved from when I was working at Flowers Winery. Another one offered up a loan to buy the fruit and barrels, and the third one had offered space in his cellar. Everything had come together and I just needed to take the leap. For a long time I had visualized the wines that I wanted to make. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are complex and vibrant with elegant acidity. Wines that drink well when young and that also age gracefully. Wines that speak of their site and vintage conditions, revealed through intuitive winemaking decisions.

From Sebastopol to Bodega Bay, in a stretch 7 to 10 miles from the coast, the balance between the cooling Pacific Ocean influence and the warm, sunny days of a Sonoma summer allow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to arrive at a joyous state of ripeness. I have known and worked with the vineyard blocks for LaRue for over twelve years, visiting them all through each growing season. Each site has a very special fingerprint that I try to capture and express. The close work with my growers results in grapes that fit LaRue’s profile. 

LaRue’s total production is limited to under 600 cases, which allows me to lovingly do all cellar work, from sorting the fruit to filling barrels to bottling. And just like that, we have arrived at the tenth anniversary of the winery I named after my greatgrandmother, Veona LaRue. I have carried her spirit of hard work and determination with me on this journey and I am looking forward to the next ten vintages of making and sharing these exceptional wines.