WTN: 2007 Elyse L'Ingenue, Sierra Foothills, CA

14.5% abv. A blend of four white Rhone varieties (Roussane, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc) sourced solely from the Naggiar Vineyard. Shows viscosity. Green-tinged medium gold color. A suggestion of lanolin and vanillin notes that probably emanate from the oak barrels. Medium-plus body. On the palate some stone fruits. It tastes a bit layered which may be due to the blending of different grape varieties. The winery website says that the L"Ingenue can age for five to eight years and this one was holding up well at six years. A pleasant drink and a change of pace for me, but I'm not really a devotee of white Rhone varieties. As an occasional break with routine, it is fine. The current release, the 2011 vintage, is $28 from the winery.

[Jenise]

Interesting. Tend to agree with you about Rhone whites, but it's a vintage by vintage thing--in cool years, they can be quite interesting. But cool years are getting further and further apart. Interesting price on the wine--$28 is a hard sell for a domestic white unless your name is Caymus or something.