2021 Roussanne

The grapes for the 2021 vintage come from the Glenrose Vineyard, high up in the chalk laden hills of west Paso Robles.  The 2021 vintage yields were reduced by a dry winter, with 13 of 16 inches of rain coming in one January storm. The growing season was mild albeit for a July heat spike, and harvest unfolded with each warm stretch followed by a cool-down. The resulting wines have concentration and freshness, juicy appeal but structure.

This Roussanne is driven by acid but is also creamy in texture, with extracted, jammy flavors of pear, lemon and tropical fruits. Also, secondary tones of baked bread, herbs, white raisins, and honeysuckle. On the pallet it’s dry and crisp with bright acids. It was barrel fermented and aged sur lees, giving it the weight of a Chardonnay. Co-fermented with 5% Picpoul Blanc to balance the weight of the Roussanne with the high acid of Picpoul.