2004 McCrea Roussanne

I loved the 2002 vintage of this wine but it was way too expensive for the restaurant, as no one would order a $54 Roussanne from Washington State. Our distributor offered us a deal, so I bought a case of the 2004. Cuttings from the Tablas Creek Beaucastel vines - another great American Roussanne - this white is one of the nine white Rhone grapes, usually blended with Marsanne and others, but shines with this single varietal bottling.

With a nose of peach blossoms and sweet pea, hinting cumin with notes of nutmeg and white pepper - very complex with sweet and savory essense. On the tongue, not super rich, but not flabby either - dried apricot, notes of lychee but not too sweet or cloying. Candied grapes, maybe muscat, and a bass note of something....

Courtenay tasted it and wished she could drink more, so I know it is a great wine!