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2008 Peay Vineyards Estate Roussanne/Marsanne
Tasting Notes
Our 0.6 acres of Roussanne and Marsanne are the most trying vines we farm. They ripen very late in the season coming in with the last lots of Syrah sometime in late October or early November. They have tight clusters that may lead to burst berries and as a result can be susceptible to rot late in the season when the fog is heavy. Often we nurse them along by laying silver mylar in between the rows to reflect any available sun. There is a reason people do not grow these varieties in climates as cold as ours. But, these conditions make wines with vitality and purity. That is the ne plus ultra for winemakers who make wines of place: Wine with life, purpose, identity.
The nose on the 2008 Roussanne/Marsanne is not bold or rich but reveals subtle aromas of honeydew melon, yeast and citrus. The mouth has a silky texture kept in focus by crisp, racy acidity. The layered mid-palate reveals flavors of chalk and salted Marcona almonds. The finish is clean and long with a waxy honeycomb aftertaste. As in every vintage except 2001, we vinify and age in neutral barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The structure of the 2008 promises a long life. Hold for 3+ years or much longer and decant before serving.
2007 Peay Vineyards Estate Roussanne/Marsanne
Tasting Notes
Our 0.6 acres of Roussanne and Marsanne are the most trying vines we farm. They ripen very late in the season coming in with the last lots of Syrah sometime in late October or early November. They have tight clusters that may lead to burst berries and as a result can be susceptible to rot late in the season when the fog is heavy. Often we nurse them along by laying silver mylar in between the rows to reflect any available sun. There is a reason people do not grow these varieties in climates as cold as ours. BUT. Yes, there is the but. These conditions make wines with vitality and purity. That is the ne plus ultra for winemakers who make wines of place: Wine with life, purpose, identity.
The 2007 Roussanne/Marsanne exhibits a zesty citrus nose with honeycomb, melon and grilled bread aromas. The mouth has a very focused, precise cut with briny, oyster shell aromas layered by beeswax, daisy, almond and straw notes. It is quite flavorful with medium viscosity but is by no means heavy or pondering. The finish is clean and with a waxy aftertaste. The structure of the 2007 promises a long life. Hold for 3+ years and decant before serving. 110 cases produced.
2006 Peay Vineyards Estate Roussanne/Marsanne
Tasting Notes
The 2005 is a blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne picked in the fourth week of October Each year our Roussanne/Marsanne takes on greater elegance and focus as the vines age and we learn how to best farm the fruit. The 2006 Estate Roussanne/Marsanne has an intensity and verve that builds on the strength of the 2005 taking the blend to a new level. The Marsanne and Roussanne were picked on October 26th and 31st and fermented in 100% old oak barrels. The nose opens with honeydew melon and almond supported by a metallic note that again speaks of its cool climate origin. The mouth feel is silky with medium weight and pitch perfect balance. The front of the palate warms with honeyed, orange sherbet notes followed by the peppery spice of matsutake mushrooms. There is an elegant richness that strikes the perfect balance between weight, acidity and fruit intensity. The Roussanne/Marsanne will evolve beautifully in the bottle as you age it. If you decide to drink when young, please decant for a few minutes and serve at cellar temperature to capture its full charm and complexity. 85 cases produced.
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