2006 Denner Vineyard Theresa

I believe this is Denner's signature white blend: 73% Roussanne and 27% Viognier. It is pretty awesome, and just gets better as it breathes and evolves. A classic Rhone blend that smells like grapes grown in limestone rich soil. Saffron on the nose and following on the palate with a full mouth feel and tart finish - hints of baby aspirin which Court agreed with.

Great example of what a talent can do to interesting grapes in Central California. I drank with wine with a chipotle spiked gazpacho with shrimp and avocado. It really tamed the spice, and the tomato really brought out an interesting depth of flavor in the blend.

Buy it if you can find it and hold onto it for a few years. Great now, but can go interesting places.

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!