Winemaker Notes
100% Roussanne harvested from stony alluvial terraces in Cote du Rhone. Early harvest in the morning helps to maintain acidity. Aging is stainless steel. Traditionally a blend, this single varietal Roussanne should show off the boldness of this supple grape, allowing her natural characteristics to shine through: Apricot, Meyer lemon, beeswax, honey, and often chamomile tea. Expect the minerality to clean the palate while the underlying acidity offers backbone to the generous body.
Perfect pairing for rich meals such as lobster, roasted chicken, duck and pate's.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A flurry of chamomile blossom and tart white peach introduces this satin-edged Roussanne. It’s a full-bodied, voluminous dry white anchored by a piercing mineral spine. A streak of lemony acidity lengthens the finish. At peak now– 2025
Full and silky in body but also charmingly crisp, Roussanne is native to the Rhône Valley of France. It is responsible for some of the finest Northern Rhône white wines. Roussanne adds richness and acidity to Marsanne’s soft, fruitiness, making age worthy and highly respected whites. Somm Secret—Roussanne takes its name from the French word, roux, meaning rouge or red because of the berry’s pink glow. In California, virtually all of the 339 acres of Roussanne come from true clones brought over by Tablas Creek and John Alban.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.