Roussanne 2010
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A rare single varietal interpretation of this aromatic Rhone white variety, this limited production wine was sourced from a respected neighboring grower whose vineyards sit on steep terraces of chalk rock, the indigenous calcareous shale. Roussanne, a reddish-gold colored grape native to both the Southern and Northern Rhône Valley in France has a rich and unctuous mouth feel with penetrating scents of wild flower honey and Asian pear.
The cooler growing season of 2010 was ideal for this aromatic white varietal. The delayed harvest allowed longer hang times, resulting in expressive fruit and the classic combination of viscosity and “nerve” (the French word for crisp natural fruit acidity). After three years of drought conditions, the El Nino weather pattern returned effectively raising the Pacific Ocean temperatures and promoting an uplift of moisture into the upper atmosphere. The Santa Lucia mountain range experienced substantial rainfall ending in early-April totaling 38 inches. The unique microclimate in the mountainous vineyards allowed for well- balanced and vibrant acidity for our white varieties.
Barrel fermented in neutral oak barrels the wine rested on its lees for 7 months, which added a creamy baked croissant character to the beeswaxy richness and ripe pear fruitiness of the finished wine. At its best in the near term, up to 2014.