For a little taste of France in a California wine, this Y Rousseau Tannat is a good choice. All the Tannat is from “Alder Springs Vineyard” in northern Mendocino County with 5% each Merlot and Cab Sauv from Sonoma and Napa, respectively, rounding out the wine. Aggressive on first sip, this wine is like a jump into a cool pond on a hot day: quick shock, then you get used and really enjoy it. You’ll get cinnamon, beef blood, aged leather, red currants, blueberries, black oil-cured olives and roasted coffee beans. The fruit takes the lead in your mouth with the non-fruits playing support. It’s fun, and gets better and better as the wine breathes. Firm tannins on the finish soften with air, with fat-streaked meat, and general acclimation. Both rustic and exotic, drink this as you would a Rhone-style Syrah or a French Mourvedre.
More Information
Owner/Winemaker Yannick Rousseau was born and raised near Madiran, the Gascony, France village and appellation that grows predominantly Tannat for Madiran wine and Colombard wine for Armagnac (and a little still wine too). Yannick is a skilled, thoughtful winemaker who is equally interested in making soulful, honest and delicious wines. You can also be assured that a Y Rousseau wine will give you your money’s worth.
For all the Y Rousseau Wines I’ve reviewed, Click Here.
For my Napa Valley Tasting Up Close – REAL Close blog entry, featuring Y Rousseau, Click Here.
