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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).
2008 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, 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 nose on the 2008 Roussanne/Marsanne is not bold or rich but reveals subtle aromas of honeydew melon, yeast and citrus. The mouth has a silky texture kept in focus by crisp, racy acidity. The layered mid-palate reveals flavors of chalk and salted Marcona almonds. The finish is clean and long with a waxy honeycomb aftertaste. As in every vintage except 2001, we vinify and age in neutral barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The structure of the 2008 promises a long life. Hold for 3+ years or much longer and decant before serving
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