2006 The First Date Rhône Blend

Varietals:	75% Roussanne, 25% Marsanne
Appellation:	Santa Barbara County
Alcohol:	14.6%
Production:	270 cases
Tasting Notes:	This vintage is explosive, rich and ultimately intoxicating. Loaded with peaches, apricots, honey, orange blossom, crushed rocks with just a touch of creamy oak that leads to the most elegant finish.
Comments:	In 2005 we started to approach white wine production with a different thought pattern, due to the influence of our then harvest intern Xavier Gerard of Condrieu. As we were about to start fermentation of the 2005, he noticed that I wanted to ferment the juice cold and told me it will only make a fruity wine, but a warm fermentation will make a wine of complexity and depth. We compromised. The 2005 was amazing and loaded with everything I wanted. In March this year while in France, I had Xavier try it. He thought it was fantastic, but felt it could be more if I wasn't so hesitant to go warmer. We did in 2006, and I have to admit Xavier was right.
Reviews:	Charles Olken Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: 92 pts Two Puffs for JC Cellars Rhône Whites The Jeff Cohn touch is more than evident here insofar richness and deep, very ripe fruit are the wine's chief concerns. Smelling of honey and orange-flesh melons with suggestions of dried apples and spice popping up on the palate, this unctuous, very full-bodied wine in backed up by good acidity on the palate and in the finish, and it makes wonderful aperitif with light nibbles, and it will not disappoint with grilled fish and chicken.
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version