Wine Article

We are very surprised by the explosive response from mailing list customers, restaurateurs and writers for our Roussanne/Marsanne. We love this wine, but did not realize that wine lovers everywhere were waiting for a structured, complex, food-friendly white wine. Well, hallelujah! Unfortunately, we grow less than one combined acre of Roussanne and Marsanne. And let me tell you, Nick tears his hair out growing that one acre (boy, is Roussanne a trying child).

2007 Peay Vineyards Estate Roussanne/Marsanne

Tasting Notes
Our 0.6 acres of Roussanne and Marsanne are the most trying vines we farm. They ripen very late in the season coming in with the last lots of Syrah sometime in late October or early November. They have tight clusters that may lead to burst berries and as a result can be susceptible to rot late in the season when the fog is heavy. Often we nurse them along by laying silver mylar in between the rows to reflect any available sun. There is a reason people do not grow these varieties in climates as cold as ours. BUT. Yes, there is the but. These conditions make wines with vitality and purity. That is the ne plus ultra for winemakers who make wines of place: Wine with life, purpose, identity.

The 2007 Roussanne/Marsanne exhibits a zesty citrus nose with honeycomb, melon and grilled bread aromas. The mouth has a very focused, precise cut with briny, oyster shell aromas layered by beeswax, daisy, almond and straw notes. It is quite flavorful with medium viscosity but is by no means heavy or pondering. The finish is clean and with a waxy aftertaste. The structure of the 2007 promises a long life. Hold for 3+ years and decant before serving. 110 cases produced.