The RGB is
named for the blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, which is a
typical white wine blend found in and around the small
villages in the south of France. Typically Roussanne, which
is more difficult to ripen and thus more rare, takes a backseat to
the Grenache Blanc, which is a more neutral tasting grape. We
like to richen up this blend a bit and include more of the robust
Roussanne. The resulting blend is nearly a 50-50 balance
between the two varieties. The grapes were whole cluster
pressed and then fermented and aged together in a small,
temperature controlled stainless tank. This early blending
allowed the flavors to come together more completely. After
fermentation, the wine was transferred to neutral French Burgundy
barrels to allow a bit more oxygen into the wine, which acted to
soften and round out the final wine. The aroma of this wine
explodes with white flowers, green apple, a tropical/banana note,
and a flinty/minerally note. The aromas find their way onto
the palate where you will sense a long, round, viscous mouthfeel
made complex with a racy acidity. The RGB is clean, fresh,
and ready to drink. It should, however, improve over the next
couple of years.
300 cases
produced
Acclaim:
2011 vintage not yet reviewed.
Acclaim for the 2010 vintage:
92 Points
- The Wine Advocate: 8/2011: The 2010 RGB White Blend is 50% Grenache Blanc and
50% Roussanne, co-fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels.
The 2010 is a beautifully textured white that caresses the palate
with melon, honeysuckle, ripe pears and jasmine. Soft and perfumed
through to the finish, the RGB shows tons of personality and sheer
class. Simply put, it is a striking wine readers will not want to
miss. Anticipated maturity:
2011-2014.
