If you have not heard of Ladrón Cellars, you may not be alone, but it’s a local treasure here in South Metro Denver. We are lucky to have unique offerings here, but this one is exceptional. They are located not too far from the “beaten path” of Centennial, and the view from the tasting room is not to be missed. Owners Richard and Tracy Crockett would love for you to enjoy an evening on their deck to enjoy the sunset and a sip.
Ladrón’s Winemaker, Richard Crockett, crafts lovely artisanal wines using premium grapes sourced from vineyards along the glorious Central Coast of California, and from Western Colorado. The word “ladrón” is explained by them as a nod to the fact they say they have “smuggled” the grapes to the production facility in Englewood; the word itself is the Spanish word for “thief”.
The team at Ladrón, under Crockett’s watchful eye, crafts the wines here in the facility in Englewood. The fruit is grown elsewhere, as we discuss a bit later, and the real magic of creation happens in the more “industrial” or modern setting of his urban winery.
The venue can be used by the community for things such as art events, sip-and-paint sessions, and other private occasions. There is lovely art that is unique to them and their brand, from the works of their friend and artist, Phil Leer. Leer’s creations adorn the bottles, as well as the walls.
Concerning the wine, Crocket asserts, “My passion for wine and the winemaking process began during my first trips to California wine country in the 90’s. Since then, I have traveled around the world to several new and old-world wine regions to experience and learn about the styles and traditions of the local wines. During these travels, and one in particular, I began to create the vision for Ladrón Cellars. It began with the belief [in] sharing various wine styles and varietals from specific locations in Colorado, California and Washington. We select varietals from these regions that highlight their unique climates, allowing us to produce our incredibly complex wines.”
To fully appreciate the complexity of the California wine map, it is helpful to understand the “terroir” (or wine-growing soil, as the French call it.) California is a large state with distinct micro-climates, even within relatively small regions. As in all great wine-growing regions, a few meters, the angle of the hill against the sun, the fog, or the dryness of the soil, challenge the grapes. Good wine – even great wine – comes from grapes that fight a bit to grow to their potential. To that, add considerations such as the type of grape, the minerality of the soil, and myriad other qualities, are what are captured in every drop of wine. In every glass, there is potential greatness.
For Ladrón, and its creator, Crockett, “the focus is on sourcing from the best vineyards in the selected regions. [Their] California vineyards are located in Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles AVA’s. I mainly source traditional Rhone varietals such as – Sirah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. But I have also added Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, which allows me to create concentrated red wine blends with incredible depth.”
He goes on, to explain, “The Colorado vineyards are located in the Grand Valley AVA and Paonia, on the western slope. I source several white and red varietals from these regions. The red varietals are focused on Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, while the white varietals are Viognier, Chardonnay and Riesling. We will continue to select additional varietals and regions, which allow us to create unique red and white blends that increase our palate options for future releases.”
With the notion of micro-climates in mind, Crocket further shares that, “The deliciousness of the wines that come from this stretch of road in Santa Barbara County is due in large part to the microclimate that enters Ballard Canyon from the ocean. The Santa Ynez Valley’s unusual orientation pulls maritime wind inland across the extended Santa Ynez Valley every afternoon and fog every evening.”
Ladrón Cellars is committed to creating exceptional wine in an unexpected place. “I believe that bringing the experience of the winery to an urban setting will introduce people [who] are passionate about wine [and] to new varietals and regional styles. Ladrón Cellars was created to share our same passion for wine with others.”
It began with the belief in sharing various wine styles and varietals.
creating exceptional wine in an unexpected place