Tasting Notes Archive

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"In 2007, we explored fermenting a little warmer while keeping the fermenting juice in the cold room for longer periods of time to lengthen the fermentation. Then, we let it warm up at the end of fermentation to about 68-70 degrees. A little risky, but you just wait. This almost sounds like an interesting and tantalizing romance. Trust me: this will be a first date you will never forget.

When I first started making this wine it was my quest to make a St. Joseph style white wine, but then it took on a different path. Sure, it was 75% Roussanne and 25% Marsanne, but this wine became more about being The First Date and not a replica of a St. Joseph. It became the understanding that “yes”, we can take these varietals to new heights, explore their different flavor and aromatic profiles. Let the vineyard talk, spend time listening to it. Converse back with it. This communication has been the key. This is what a first date is all about."  -Jeff Cohn

Tasting Notes

Both Northern Rhône varietals, Roussanne adds great perfume and a certain delicacy, a touch of Marsanne yields added richness and body to the wine. The wine represents fruit harvested in the peak of ripeness, displaying honey & spiced peach cobbler, full-bodied and backed up with a core of minerality and acidity which allows it to pair nicely with richer foods.

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2008 The First Date

2008 The First Date

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  91 Points Connoisseurs' Guide - 2008 The First Date (75% Roussanne, 25% Marsanne)

This very rich and full bodied white blatantly shows the family trait of enfettered ripeness, but it is wonderfully well-filled with sweet, slightly honeyed, peach and nectarine-like fruit.  Its persistent suggestions of wet-stone complexity make it far more than just big and ripe, and, while it ends with a bit more finishing heat than might be ideal, it does not let up in richness.  It demands service with boldly flavored foods such as garlicky chicken in sauce, and, even if just a touch viscous and fat in feel, it is sufficiently well-structured to keep handily for several years. $28.00

2008 The First Date

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 92 points

The 2008 First Date Proprietary White, a blend of 75% Roussanne and 25% Marsanne aged partially in cement eggs, offers smoky, full-bodied buttered citrus notes intertwined with hints of wax, quince and marmalade. With superb fruit and freshness, this intense white will drink beautifully with full-flavored fish and poultry dishes.

2008 The First Date

Wine Spectator 90 points

Lovely flavors of golden raisin, Asian pear and lemon curd are rich, sophisticated, and creamy-textured, with a vanilla bean paste note that opens up aromatically on the finish. Roussanne and Marsanne. Drink now.

Wine Spectator 92 points

2007 The First Date

A rich, lush texture and a full body are the base for this fantastic wine. Like a fresh apple pie, with ripe flavors, spicy notes and a buttery crust. Tropical flavors give this extra dimension. Roussanne and Marsanne. Drink now. 213 cases made. –MW