Our summer botttling day approaches, and we are very excited about the latest batch of Rhone whites. The 2005 whites spent more time ‘sur lies’ this year, with frequent stirring of the yeast lees, resulting in an unusually seductive, creamy mouthfeel and toasty, bread-like complexity.
We will begin taking orders on July 15, and expect these wines to sell out quickly.
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Here are are our notes from a recent barrel sampling of the 2005 whites:
2005 Viognier, Hansen Vineyard
Aromas of pineapple, spiced apple and peaches herald a sunny viognier with a rich, pineapple profile accompanied by a couli of guava and the earthy sweetness of fig. Viognier grapes from Hansen Vineyard, in the ancient sedimentary slopes of the Templeton-El Pomar microclimate, were whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, and aged sur lies for six months in seasoned French oak. Only 4 barrels produced.
2005 Roussanne, Starr Ranch
Aromas of pear, honeydew melon, and a spicy note of pine precede a rich flavor profile of pear, melon, kiwi and pineapple flavors in this succulent summer white from Starr Ranch in the Adelaida Hills of northwest Paso Robles. Roussanne is a grape with an exotic fruit character similar to viognier, but with voluptuous weight, which makes it an ideal match for dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, or Asian spices. The wine was barrel fermented and aged sur lies for six months in neutral French oak, for a gentle perfume of oak and pastry. Only 4 barrels produced.
2005 ‘White Bone’ 67% Viognier / 33% Roussanne
An aroma that is distinctively pear, with a squeeze of lime and a faint hint of pastry opens into a confection of pineapple, mango, and starfruit flavors with a twist of orange rind. Fruit was sourced from Chequera Vineyard and Hansen Vineyard in the Templeton Gap, and from Starr Ranch in the hilly Adelaida Hills district of west Paso Robles. The wine was barrel fermented and aged sur lies for six months in neutral French oak. Only 6 barrels produced.
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