Tasting Room
Rhone WhitesWINE OF THE WEEK
Bonterra Vineyards
2005 Mendocino Valley Roussanne, Mendocino - Other white wines ($18)
A refreshing approach to roussanne. Ripe, yet vibrant. It's bright, a touch earthy and has a rich mouth-feel. Notes of peach, apricot, melon and toast. Lingering finish.
2005 Landa Vnyds., SV, Sonoma - Viognier ($27)
Full-bodied, rich and creamy. Aromas and flavors of honeysuckle and peach. Soft texture. Finish is a bit metallic.
2006 Sonoma Valley - Viognier ($20)
Elegant and showy with lovely floral aromas. Expressive with notes of peach, apple and melon. Slightly grassy.
2006 Roussanne, Paso Robles - Other white wines ($25)
Full-bodied, round and lush. Notes of apple, melon and fig. Undermined by some off aromas. Slightly bitter finish.
2005 California - Viognier ($7)
Elegant. Full-bodied, soft and balanced. Aromas and flavors of peach, citrus and geranium. Lightly oaked. Slightly earthy.
2006 Lake - Viognier ($19)
Elegant, rich and ripe. Aromas and flavors of nectarine, guava and honey. Good balance. Medium complexity.
2005 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc Blend, Paso Robles - Other white wines ($35)
Light on its feet. Full-bodied, light and round. Layered flavors. Notes of apricot, lemon peel and yeast..
2005 Sonoma Valley - Marsanne ($18)
A marsanne that's a bit chardonnay-like. Full-bodied, with a soft texture. Notes of citrus peel, mineral and cinnamon.
2005 Santa Ynez Valley - Viognier ($17)
Rich, ripe and showy. Aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, hazelnut, toast and pineapple. Soft. Medium complexity.
TASTING PANEL: Steve Leveque, winemaker of Chalk Hill Wine Estates; Brian Maloney, associate winemaker of DeLoach; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier of Equus; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com