Roussanne from the Pyrenees. Quartz Hill have shown flair and intelligence with another Rhone variety – Viognier - so I was eager to give this a whirl. Tough year for Roussanne no doubt; tight bunches prone to disease and rot. Presents some botrytis-like florals and syrupy flavours but it’s not a bad wine.
Opens up with a blanket of cheese and honey. Underneath are notes of cashew, stonefruit nectar, ripe pear and green tea. Lots of body, weight, mouthfeel and presence. A thick current of fruit underneath a savoury veneer. Some cut and thrust via mandarin and lime accented acidity. Mild phenolics. Not a great deal of shape or persistence. Still, shows enough to encourage further efforts when vintage conditions aren’t as trying. I’d be drinking this young. 88
Region: Pyrenees
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: December 2013