2007 Peay Vineyards Roussanne/Marsanne Estate- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (6/6/2009)
My first CT tasting note
This is one of the best white wines made in California, IMO, and a truly exceptional wine in this vintage. Tremendous depth and length of flavors, spice, wax. A bit hard to nail the flavor profile, but anyone familiar with Rhone whites will appreciate this fantastic California version. So much going on, with deep fruit on entry, then a big hit of wax and granite, and a lasting finish of fruit and mineral. Some air time does this a lot of good, and a bit warmer temperature brings out more of the depth, and reduces some of the strong minerality, drink more at red wine temperature than you might for most whites. (95 pts.)
Ken, I don’t think I could make a very informed prediction for age. I do have a couple of bottles of this from earlier vintages (only back to 04), so I should open one soon and see where it is. This does seem to be in a more reserved style that could age for some years. If you think about a Chave Blanc, those can go for 20+ years in some vintages, though they’re the reverse blend (80/20 Marsanne/Roussanne).
We tried the 2004 at HdR (at the bbq at Mel’s room). It was pretty youthful. Had a 2003 last February. It’s getting rounder with some nuttiness, but will continue to age well for a few years, at least. These are beautiful wines and are must buys for me each year. BTW, one year (2005?) the blend ended up something like 60% Marsanne and they changed the name to Marsanne/Roussanne. I think they had trouble with the set on the Roussane that year.
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