White wines from the Rhône Valley in France make up only a small percentage of the total production and are overshadowed by their red counterparts. But while production is small the flavor and the quality is great. Here are a few of the wines we currently have in stock along with a few homages from local wine makers.
2019 Vignobles Des Doms, Côtes du Rhône Blanc $13
60% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier
A balanced CDR Blanc has light floral aromas paired with citrus and white peach. It’s medium body is kept fresh with come fresh acidity.
2016 Sparkman Cellars, Apparition $13
75% Roussanne, 12% Grenache Blanc and 13% Marsanne.
This wine is mostly Roussanne (70%), with the balance equal parts Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, with the fruit coming from Olsen and Boushey vineyards. Lemon verbena, grape-nut, peach and apple aromas lead to broad stone-fruit flavors.
2014 Famille Brechet, Plateau Des Chênes, Lirac Blanc $15
Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette
Plateau des Chênes is the property that Laurent Brechet owns in Lirac (across the river from Château Nuef du Pape) where he makes a range of reds as well as a stunning example of Lirac Blanc. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette, it is an expressively floral and complex wine proving that Lirac is far from the little sister of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Was $20 now $15
2017 Jean-Luc Colombo, La Belle du Mai Saint Peray $20
60% Rousanne, 40% Marsanne
A full Rhone white. An intense floral and fruity nose with notes of iris, candied fruit and fresh hazelnuts. Full-bodied palate with rich, concentrated flavors of quince, vanilla, and a slight lemon zest.
2018 Domaine de Pentelines, Clara $22
20% Clairette, 20% Marsanne, 20% Rousanne, 20% Grenache, 20% Ugni Blanc
A Rhone white that rivals many CNDP Blancs. Savory notes of beer hops, fresh tarragon, and green peaches lift from the glass. The palate offers a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of apricots, grilled apples, and whipped cream that linger through on the long finish.
2017 Tranche, Pape Blanc $25
32% Viognier, 19% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, 15% Marsanne, 15% Picpoul, 4% Clarette
Vibrant aromas of white peach and nectarine are complimented by notes of citrus, white flowers, fresh cream and baking spice. The wine is full-bodied and textured on the palate showing a complex evolution of flavors, from cantaloupe, apricot and stone fruit, to honey, macadamia and toasted brioche.
2012 Jaboulet, Ermitage $39
100% Roussanne
Powerful scents of nectarine, pear nectar and Meyer lemon pick up vanilla, honey and smoky mineral nuances with air. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering powerful, mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors and refreshingly bitter suggestions of quinine and citrus pith. Minerally and nervy on the penetrating, extremely persistent finish, which leaves behind suave vanilla and pear liqueur notes. This a rare example of a white Hermitage being made exclusively with Roussanne.
Was $80 now $39, only 2 bottles left.