Winery
of the Week:
Top-Notch Rhone Whites from Lake County
By FBWorld Team
Rhone
grape varieties just pair perfectly with summer. They
tend to produce wines that are lively and bright, which makes
them lovely to drink during the warmest months of the year.
Out in California, one region that produces some wonderful Rhone
whites, but seems to fall under people's radar, is Lake County.
Our tasting panel discovered some top-notch offerings from the
area, so whether you're a fan of Viognier, Roussanne, or Grenache
Blanc, we've got you covered.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Vie
Winery 2011 Roussanne
Winery:
Vie Winery
Grape(s): 100% Roussanne
Region: Lake County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
A bouquet of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle rises up
from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of apricot and
mango accented by notes of honey and springtime flowers.
A rich, fairly round white with a welcoming acidity, it
will pair nicely with swordfish or roast turkey. 175 cases
were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Fore
Family Vineyards 2013 Grenache Blanc
Winery:
Fore Family Vineyards
Grape(s): 100 % Grenache Blanc
Region: Lake County
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of peaches, pears, and apples combine with a
hint of honey on the nose. White peach, melon, ripe pear
flavors interweave with suggestions of honey and limestone
on the palate. Opulent and nicely layered, it's a fine
example of a California Grenache Blanc. 170 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Sol
Rouge 2011 Viognier
Winery:
Sol Rouge
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Lake County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
The nose offers aromas of peach and tropical fruit with
accents of honeysuckle. Notes of peach, apricot, and mango
mingle with floral and honeyed suggestions on the palate.
A rich, mouth-filling Viognier, fans of lush, round whites
will enjoy this bottle. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Brassfield
2013 Viognier
Winery:
Brassfield
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Lake County
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Fragrances of tropical fruit and springtime flowers greets
the senses. Flavors of mango, guava, and tangerine mingle
with floral and mineral suggestions of the palate. A fairly
lively Viognier with a bright acidity, it will pair nicely
with many Thai dishes. Just 95 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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