WINE CLUB NOTES (Fall 2013)
Although 2011's spring frosts largely spared the notoriously late-sprouting Roussanne, yields were still low and ... combined with the unusually cool growing season to produce structured Roussanne with good acidity, suitable for aging. We blended 64% Roussanne (fermented primarily in foudre) with 26% Grenache Blank and 10% Picpoul Blanc to provide floral aromatics and lift on the palate, then finished aging the blend in foudre before bottling in August 2012 ad aging it an additional year in bottle before release.
... aromatics dominated by non-fruit descriptors: mineral, sea spray, grilled bread and a hint of non-toasted oak. The mouth is dramatically rich and broad, with vintage's acidity showing in the front palate, rich Roussanne in the mid-palate, and a hint of tannin from teh Grenache Blanc on the long, nutty finish. A fascinating combination of rich and very dry. ... a serious white to age for up to 15 years or more.
Rhone Report 92-95 pts (6/12); Tanzer's IWC 92 pts (12/12)

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