February 16, 2022 - Compared to the 12 Venus enjoyed really not all that long ago, this 14 Venus is rather locked up. I'm very impressed by this wine, but if there is anything that this wine has taught me today, it's that 19 vintage of this wine needs to hold and age for another 6-7 years before I decide to pop the corks on these. This wine had a slight amber color on the pour with a honeysuckle, mango and pineapple nose. The palate was a little more subdued: less tropical but it did seem to go into a hole in the mid-palate and emerged with good white pepper on the finish. After an hour in the bottle just sort of figuring things out, this one really did gain a lot of mid-palate density and character, and displayed an herbal character which was quite impressive and weighty for this 7-8 year old Roussanne. I'm quite impressed by this wine, but I think that any more CURRENT vintages definitely need time in the bottle to figure themselves out.
January 25, 2018 - Really pleased with this — enjoyed more than Donelan reds of recent vintages.
August 14, 2017 - Beautiful wine. Gold in color, slight yellow/green tinge. On the nose, very pretty with slight floral notes, a bit of beeswax, some orange peel and minerals. On the palate, this is round, deep and complex. A big wine with citrus. Long finish. Worked well with food. Quite enjoyable.
February 14, 2017 - Delish with poached lobster! Incredibly well balanced, rounded and full of both life and flavor.
November 23, 2016 - Clear, medium-gold color. Primary/secondary aromas of honeysuckle bloom, beeswax, orange zest, mineral and stone fruit. Rich and bright on the palate, with forward notes of orange zest and peach marmalade, clove, white pepper and rose hips. Medium acidity, with a thick & broad structure, silky on the mid-palate, and lengthy spice on the finish. Excellent.
August 20, 2016 - Tasting at Donelan- 8/13/16: Notes of nectarine and orange zest, with hints of minerality and spice. Really nice purity of fruit on the palate, silky texture, and lush fruit and spice on the finish. Very nice.
July 3, 2016 - Very nice Roussanne, was spectacular with our lobster salad on crostini appetizer, also handled blue cheese and cheddar well. Great wine, one of our favorite whites.
May 1, 2016 - A subtle yet thick Roussanne that tastes more of minerals than fruit. Light yellow in color, medium in body, nose of sea shore and Bartlett pear. Tastes of orange peel, honey, and wet rock, with a somewhat oily finish. 14% alcohol. Blend of 95% Roussanne and 5% Viognier. Better on second day.