2023 Truchard Vineyards Roussanne Carneros

DEC95 A full-bodied, ripe and powerful style with dried pear and honey flavours. It has a good sense of freshness and detail, however, and finishes long, with citrus flower notes. It’s deliciously juicy with well-balanced acidity. This is an unusual variety to find in Carneros, but it is far from a simple curio – it’s an excellent wine. Clearly a variety that can excel in this terroir. The oak work is well judged. Drink: 2024-2034

Estate Notes: A subtle nose of honeysuckle, pineapple, and jasmine, with a hint of brioche and vanilla. The mouth is crisp, with clean flavors of nectarine, melon, and lychee. Bright acidity provides a lengthy finish of citrus, mineral, and spice. The fruit was whole cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels (20%) new. After fermentation the wine remains in barrel on the lees (sur lie) for 6 months. A partial malolactic fermentation (30% complete) allows the wine to retain its natural acidity, while regular stirring of the lees (battonage) gives added complexity and richness. 14.1% alcohol. 1,425 cases produced.