Appellation:El Dorado Vineyard:Elen Ridge Vineyard Varietal:Roussanne
Clone:Tablas Creek Age: 8 & 10 years Elevation: 2800 & 2400 feet Soil: Decomposed granite with
clay loam Yield: 2-2.5 tons/acre
Harvested: Oct 12, & Sept 7 Pressed: Whole cluster Blend: 100% Roussanne Fermentation: 100% barrique & 100% MLF
Barrel aging:8-9.5 mos. in 3+yr FO barrels Bottled:Unfiltered on July 22, 2008 Production:44 cases Release date:Fall 2008
We fell in love with Roussanne years ago after enjoying a Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf du Pâpe from Beaucastel. Roussanne possesses a distinct combination of richness and acidity which together
create a harmony and balance like no other white wine. In 2007 we have fruit from both the Elen Ridge and Fenuaghty Vineyards, both in El Dorado. They were vinified separately being harvested over a month apart. Both were pressed whole cluster and barrel fermented in neutral French oak sur lie, with
bi-weekly stirring of the lees. Both went though 100% malolactic fermentation. The final blend is
50/50 Elen Ridge and Feanughty and was bottled unfiltered.
We call our Roussanne Tamarindo in reference to the balance of sweet and sour found in ripe Tamarind fruit that is analogous to the delicate balance of weight, acidity and fruit found in the best representations of this white Rhône varietal. Ours is a pale straw color and reveals aromas of honeysuckle, lemon oil, rose petal and quince. Balance and structure keep the waxy Roussanne character appealing while it is supported by lychee and pineapple flavors that linger with a long and refreshing finish..
