Having
been opened for just over a year, Ladrón Cellars is already making and
impressive impact in the local area. Owners Richard and Tracy Crocker have
started off making some quality reds and whites sourced from Paso Robles and
the Washington state area. Having gotten the “bug” from visiting other wineries
in Europe and New Zealand as well as wine owners and winemakers, Richard set
off getting some top-notch schooling in Washington. French for “thief”,
the winery’s name is a take on “grabbing” grapes from other states and
producing wines in Colorado. There is also a sister winery in Paso Robles that
they are partnering with called Emercy Wines. Richard is working on
sourcing grapes from Colorado vineyards to producing some great locally sourced
wines, as well. In addition, grapes are coming from the Red Mountain area and
Frenchman Hills. Most of the wines currently served are traditional Rhone
style, with other reds. There are a few whites to satisfy white wine lover
cravings, too. Initially selling wines at farmer’s markets, the couple are
happy to have a tasting room with fantastic ambiance and décor to ease you into
that relaxed wine tasting mood. Many of the bottles have unique artistic labels
from a local artist they have teamed with for the labels. There are currently
three wine flights to choose from for your tasting. We started off with a
new-to-be released Chardonnay sourced from Santa Maria Valley AVA. Partially
fermented in concrete, it hits the marks of a good Chardonnay. Most of
the wines we tried had grapes sourced from Paso Robles. The white blend 2019
Evidence is 65% Clairette Blanc and 35% Grenache Blanc. It is quite rich with
delicate notes on the front and mid palate. The 2016 Heist is their second wine
produced. It’s a blend of 50% Grenache, 42% Syrah, and 8% Petite Sirah. Even at
just 6 years old, it comes across as young with fruit forward jammy notes and a
traditional GSM like feel to it. Next was the 2016 Stowaway. Primarily Syrah
with 8% Petite Sirah, it has smoky and leathery notes, yet quite smooth with a
French like lean dry finish. Their Zinfandel blend is the 2019 Escape
Artist. A mix of 33% Zinfandel, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah, and
11% Petite Sirah, this red beast hits the 15% plus abv mark and is well
balanced, has good structure, and teases you with notes of white pepper. Moving
on to bolder red wines, we kicked off with the 2020 Getaway. This 57%
Zinfandel, 24% Graciano, and 19% Syrah delights with a deep red hue, smoky
notes, and begs for some good BBQ! Cab lovers will appreciate the 2018 Vault.
Topped off with 10% Petite Sirah, it is more tannic than the previous reds with
notes of blackberries, a peppery feel, and a good mouth smacking ending to this
deep dark red wine. Following that bold red wine beast is the 2018
Cliffhanger. Blended with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah, 19%
Mourvèdre, and 17% Petite Sirah, it is a well-balanced red blend with notes of
pepper, fruit forward, and moderate acids. Lastly, is the 2018 Knuckles.
This Petite Sirah bold red wine has 8% Syrah and was aged in new and neutral
oak. It has a super dark color, expresses deep rich fruit flavors, and is one
to savor for a long time to come. There are also light red wine flights as well
with Grenache and Mourvèdre, but you certainly won’t go wrong with whatever one
you choose. You know there is nothing like trying out a newly opened winery to
absorb all that excitement and enthusiasm with everyone. The owners will
certainly make you feel warm and welcomed and if you time your visit just
right, the evening sunset on the tasting room is a blessed sight to
experience. Enjoy this winery when in the Denver area. Cheers!
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