Wines
Venus Roussanne-Viognier
Upfront, the Venus Roussanne-Viognier shows classic Roussanne characters of beeswax, honeysuckle, and lychee fruit that we associate with the sloped block of Dry Stack Vineyard, but also Anjou pear and white peach that we attribute to the rocky block. A lovely hint of reduction comes across like an almond croissant. This aroma on the nose contrasts beautifully with the vivid, fresh fruit by mouth. The salinity on the finish is quenching and mouth-watering at the same time. To top it off, the 5% of Viognier from the beloved Kobler Family Vineyard adds a beautiful note of quince and apricot on the nose while contributing to the added richness on the palate.
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Venus Roussanne-Viognier
Description
Description
Since 2003, the Roussanne for this elegant blend has come from two distinct blocks from Dry Stack Vineyard, both planted exclusively for Donelan Family Wines. 30% of our Venus Roussanne-Viognier comes from a small, quarter-acre block we refer to as The Rocky Block, with the balance of the Roussanne coming from an East-facing slope. The power and weighty mouthfeel combined with the fresh stone fruit from the sloped block make for a well-balanced wine.
The hallmark characteristic of the Bennett Valley Roussanne used in this blend is extremely slow ripening, with harvests consistently falling into mid-October. We attribute the intensity on the nose to the fruit’s time on the vine, maturing slowly, with complex flavors evolving at lower-than-normal equilibrium.
Grapes
GrapesRoussanne (95%), Viognier (5%)
Vineyard & Terroir
Vineyard & TerroirOur Roussanne fruit is sourced from the east-facing, rocky Dry Stack Vineyard. The Viognier fruit comes from the beloved Kobler Family Vineyard.
Vinification
VinificationNative yeast fermented in neutral puncheons, with 10 months élevage in 100% neutral French oak.
Aroma & Palate
Aroma & PalateCool-climate expression of Roussanne shines in this wine with freshness and acidity taking center stage. On the nose, this leads to notes of honeysuckle, white nougat, and almond croissant. The Viognier adds aromatic lift and reins in the weight of the Roussanne.
Food Pairing
Food PairingThe Venus Roussanne-Viognier is incredible with seafood. Scallops, halibut, crab, and lobster dishes are all great.
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