2008 Roussanne

Cases Produced: 133

Vineyard Sources: Bella Grace Vineyards (Roussanne), Monarch Mine Vineyards (Roussanne); Cooper Vineyards (Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier)

Harvest Date: Roussanne (Bella Grace), Oct. 10; Roussanne (Monarch Mine), Sept. 23; Roussanne (Cooper), Sept. 15; Marsanne (Cooper), Oct. 6; Viognier (Cooper), Sept. 3.

Release Date: Nov. 15, 2009

Alcohol: 14.2%

Winemaking: 100% whole cluster pressed with native yeast fermentations. All lots underwent 100% malolactic fermentation.

• 33% Roussanne (Bella Grace), fermented in stainless steel.
• 32% Roussanne (Cooper), fermented in stainless steel.
• 17% Roussanne (Monarch Mine), fermented in Hungarian oak (50% new, 50% neutral).
• 14% Marsanne (Cooper), fermented in stainless steel.
• 4% Viognier (Cooper), fermented in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes:  Our 2008 Roussanne displays a deep, golden straw color in the glass. On the nose, the wine displays classic honeysuckle and apricot notes, with hints of fresh melon and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine is rich and lush, with added notes of peach and crushed nuts. The finish is framed by sweet, but balanced, oak.  This rich, full-bodied wine pairs wonderfully with flavorful white meat dishes and stronger cheeses.

Winemaking:  The 2008 Roussanne differs a bit from last year’s version. We increased the amount of new oak over our inaugural 2007 Roussanne (slightly), and we also upped the percentage of Marsanne in the wine (which adds the wonderful melon notes). This, along with our use of native yeast fermentations this year, has resulted in a rich, full-bodied and complex wine. To retain the flavor and richness of the wine, only a very light cold stabilization was done prior to bottling.  Total aging time for all of the lots was around 12 months.