Saturday, May 30, 2009

2006 Zaca Mesa Roussanne, Santa Ynez Valley

From their website: Roussanne is a richly complex, white grape variety indigenous to the Rhône Valley of France. It is a difficult grape to grow because it is very susceptible to rot and mildew and ripens late.

After being hand harvested, this Roussanne was gently pressed and placed in French oak barrels to ferment. The wine was then aged “sur lie” or on the lees (yeast and solids) for 10 months, stirring each barrel regularly to enhance the rich, creamy mouth feel. Zaca Mesa Vineyards BLOCK: Foxen C

Aromas: apricots, figs, honey, spice
Body: medium
Color: yellow

There are only 200 acres of Roussanne planted in California and Zaca Mesa owns 8 of them.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, aromas of apricots, figs, honey and spice fill the glass. Alingering finish has a touch of minerality, a signature characteristic of our vineyard. Enjoy with grilled halibut, lobster risotto or rosemary roasted chicken over the next five years. — Clay Brock, Winemaker

Eat with:
sautéed Pacific rock cod, fennel purée, baby summer squash, niçoise olives, garlic confit & sundried tomato vinaigrette