2004 Pax Roussanne, Venus

Two vineyards have been utilized to make this 100% Roussanne. A small portion of the blend is grown adjacent to the Viognier used in our Aphrodite bottling, the balance is grown in the cobblestone laden soil of Bennett Valley. This is a step up in concentration and intensity over our 2003 bottling, with all of the trademark flavors and aromas that make Roussanne one of our favorite whites to drink. This wine shows a roasted element, which it picks up from the scorching heat that hit California late in the ripening cycle of these vines, a character that is more reminiscent of the Roussanne based whites from Chateauneuf-du-pape than those from the north.

Tasting Note:
Elderflower, waxy pear, toast and wet minerals on the nose. Very big and mouth filling flavors of toasted nuts, very ripe pears and dried apricot. Fuller-bodied than our Aphrodite bottling with grape tannins and crisp acidity keeping it all together. The finish is long with roasted stone fruits and toasted nuts.