2007 Côte de Lune Blanc
Russian River Valley, Saralee's Vineyard
Price:
Acclaim
89 Points - "...a delectable blend...an enticing, dry white offering a big, floral, exotic fruit, pineapple, and peach-scented bouquet. This medium-bodied, fruit-friendly 2007 is a singular, interesting white that should drink well for 2-3 years."- Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate, December 2008
Winemaker's Notes
Our 2007 Côte de Lune Blanc is big, rich and commanding. The nose is packed with grilled almonds, flower blossoms and supple tropical fruit thanks to the small percentage of Viognier and Grenache in the blend. The palate is ripe, lush, intense and creamy without being overbearing or cumbersome. This is an intense wine that matches beautifully with rich, full-flavored foods.Over the last 30 years Rhône varieties have become quite popular in the vineyards of California. Our temperate climate and complex soils bring out flavors and textures that were not always apparent in their native growing regions. In addition to well-known reds such as Syrah and Grenache, lesser-known whites like Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne and Grenache Blanc have also been gaining acreage in nearly every California AVA.
Our Côte de Lune Blanc highlights two of the Rhône Valley's more obscure varieties - Rousanne and Marsanne. Planted throughout much of Southern France, these two whites are often blended together to balance their complementary attributes. Rousanne is known for its floral aromatics and bracing acidity while Marsanne contributes weight, viscosity and a subtle nuttiness to the bouquet.
Wine Details
- Varietal Composition: 43% Roussanne, 40% Marsanne, 9% Grenache, 8% Viognier
- Appellation: Sonoma County
- Viticultural Areas/Vineyards: Russian River Valley - Saralee's Vineyard
- Harvest Dates: October 5 and 25, 2007
- Average Sugar at Harvest: 23.6° Brix
- Average pH (Harvest/Bottling): 3.6/3.7
- Average Total Acid (Harvest/Bottling): .46g per 100ml/.43g per 100ml
- Aging: 100% malolactic fermentation; aged in Louis Laour and Claude Gillet French oak barrels for eight months
- Alcohol by Volume: 15.2%
- Residual Sugar: Dry
- Release Date: February 2009
- Total Production: 900 cases


