WTN: Thankful for Roussanne

[David M. Bueker]

• 2020 Black Sheep Finds Roussanne Holus Bolus - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley (11/10/2024)
  I wanted a white wine with some richness, but not Chardonnay. This was a spot-on selection, as it had the extra palate depth typical of Roussanne, but didn't go all the way to oily, as it retained acidity, and the fruit stayed in the citrus/apple range rather than veering all the way to pear. Lovely wine that could age for a while.

[Jenise]

Sounds lovely, especially for California. Not too ripe. I can't remember the last time I saw or tasted a California roussanne. I adore the grape but it's unfortunately rare. We do see some here in Washington but not many winemakers are willing to take it on.

[David M. Bueker]

Tercero makes one - also from the Santa Barbara area. Bedrock also gets grapes from that sub-region to make minuscule quantities.