Mar
21
Donkey & Goat “Sluice Box” White Wine Blend 2014
Now this is an orange wine I can get behind. A gulpable blend of Roussanne, Vermentino, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul from California’s El Dorado AVA, Donkey & Goat’s Sluice
Feb
7
Bernard Gripa Saint Joseph Blanc 2013
I have a soft spot for Northern Rhone whites. The top examples of Marsanne and Roussanne from Saint Joseph and Hermitage offer a combination of texture, medium acidity, concentration and
Sep
14
Elyse L’Ingenue Naggiar Vineyard White Blend 2010
Made with fruit from the Sierra Hills, this Rhone inspired white blend from Elyse fits well within the new breed of surprising, atypical wines from California. Much easier to peg
Jul
25
Cave des Amandiers Ermitage Blanc 2011
A discovery of Mr. Rimmerman at Garagiste, Cave des Amandiers nestles against the Alps in the Swiss AOC Valais, northeast of Chamonix. How many wineries like this exist? Those incredibly
Apr
15
Monier Perréol Saint-Joseph Blanc 2012
Another wonderful wine discovered in Lyon at the fantastic restaurant Palégrié. Monier Perréol is making a very fresh style of Saint-Joseph blanc that perfectly balances the richer, textural qualities of
Nov
25
Torbreck “The Steading Blanc” Roussanne Marsanne Viognier 2009
White Rhone varieties have the potential for truly outstanding wine. This potential is not restricted to the Rhone valley. Sadly these grapes remain unfairly maligned. Torbreck is a producer from
Jun
15
Two Exceptional Marsannes: Yves Cuilleron Les Vignes d’a Cote 2012 and Tahbilk Old Vine 2002
It is rare to find bottlings of 100% Marsanne. The grape does not grow well in most places and, for some, its lower acidity and focus on texture over fruit
Mar
30
Francois Villard Saint Peray 2011
Rhone whites are a difficult category, and one which is rarely found in wine shops in North America. I imagine this has mostly to do with familiarity as the quality
Jan
14
Bernard Gripa St. Joseph Blanc 2006
Recent experience with a 2004 Courbis St. Joseph blanc raised questions about the ageability of these wines. This Bernard Gripa 2006, however, restored my confidence that St. Joseph whites can
Aug
25
Spotlight on Rhone Valley White Wine: Domaine Auguste Clape St. Péray 2007
From History to Obscurity St. Péray may be the most obscure region in the entire Rhone valley. Once as famous as regions like Cornas and Condrieu, it has now dwindled