These whites are different. They’re hard to describe. And boy are they delicious. I’d call them among the biggest of whites. They are the whites I would suggest to someone that has always been a red drinker who I wanted to convert. They’re big but not oaky or heavy. The aromas tend towards honey and almonds with earth tones. Nothing fruity here. In the mouth there is a roundness and viscosity that I find very sensual.
You’ll notice that we have a 2001 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc in the lineup. It’s a new library release from the winery and has been stored perfectly. This 11 year old white Neuf will give you a great idea how well these white Rhone blends can age and improve. The price is amazing. We’re pouring 4 French, one from California and one from Oregon/ Washington. All except the Fausse Piste are blends and similar in their makeup and it will be a treat tasting the difference that “place” or “terroir” plays on the final impression. Come taste the difference for yourself.
ST
The Lineup
2011 Chateau L’Ermitage/ Costieres de Nimes, France $12
60% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Viognier
2011 Tablas Creek, Patelin/ Paso Robles, Ca. $18
45% Grenache Blanc, 34% Viognier, 18% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne
2011 Domaine Lafond, Lirac “Roc Epine”/ S. Rhone Valley, France $20
50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 20% Viognier
2010 Fausse Piste, Roussanne “L’Ortolan”/ Columbia Valley, Wa. $29
2001 Bosquet Des Papes, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc/ S. Rhone Valley, France $37
45% Clairette, 35% Grenache Blanc, 20% Bourboulenc
Premium Pour ($5)
2009 Pierre Gonan, Saint-Joseph “Les Oliviers”/ N. Rhone Valley, France $57
80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
