2014 Domaine de la Terre Rouge Roussanne Sierra Foothills

Winemaker Notes:  We began bottling Roussanne on an annual basis in 2001. Tis bottling originates from a vineyard site we helped establish and develop between Auburn and Foresthill called the Monarch Mine Vineyard. It is planted with a clone of the Roussanne grape that originates from a Chave family parcel on the hill at Hermitage. Tis is a difficult variety to grow. It ripens unevenly, so it must be harvested selectively and not all at the same time. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew. Te fruit in 2014 was fully ripe at harvest on September 21st, quite bit earlier than usual here. Te crop size was smaller, hence the earlier harvest time in 2014. Tis 2014 has classic Roussanne characteristics: Straw golden color; with exquisite quince, honeynut, and beeswax aromas. It has a very rich and silky mouth feel from barrel fermentation and lees aging, and excellent minerality. Bottle-aged two years prior to release. A rare European-styled Cali-wine that is wonderfully balanced and built for the long haul. Tis is our most serious and age-worthy Rhone white. It is begins really show its stuff at 5+ years of age.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wilfred Wong - "COMMENTARY: The 2014 Terre Rouge Monarch Mine Vineyard Roussanne brings the Rhône Valley to California Sierra Foothills. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of mineral notes, tart citrus, and dried earth. Enjoy it with jumbo prawns in crispy tacos."