Donelan

Venus Sonoma County Roussanne Viognier

9.115 ratings
8.93 pro ratings
Sonoma County, California, USA
Roussanne, Viognier
Turkey, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Nuts & Seeds, Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Shellfish, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Chili & Hot Spicy, Fish, Herbs, Asian Cuisine, Veal, Potato, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Cream Sauces, Pate
Top Notes For
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.8

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. Last white wine we reviewed was the Venus white Rhone blend made up of 97.5% Roussane and 2.5% Viognier. The Roussane is from the Dry Stack and Vivio vineyards while the Viognier is from a vineyard higher up in Bennett Valley. Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. Only 170 cases produced.

Medium lemon yellow in appearance. Nice nose with layers of honeysuckle, peach zest, a touch of citrus and some greener tropical notes. Medium plus acidity (7/10) and a light to light plus body. Started off waxy on the palate with some lemons and melon. Then had some metallic elements in the medium finish. Very easy going white blend. Drink till 2020.

$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price was $48.00, the 2015 is already sold out.

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. Last white wine we reviewed was the Venus white Rhone blend made up of 97.5% Roussane and 2.5% Viognier. The Roussane is from the Dry Stack and Vivio vineyards while the Viognier is from a vineyard higher up in Bennett Valley. Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. Only 170 cases produced.

Medium lemon yellow in appearance. Nice nose with layers of honeysuckle, peach zest, a touch of citrus and some greener tropical notes. Medium plus acidity (7/10) and a light to light plus body. Started off waxy on the palate with some lemons and melon. Then had some metallic elements in the medium finish. Very easy going white blend. Drink till 2020.

$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price was $48.00, the 2015 is already sold out.

Jun 3rd, 2018
Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.0

Very well balanced and rich Rhone style white. Lovely.

Very well balanced and rich Rhone style white. Lovely.

Jun 29th, 2016
Stuart Peisner

I love the flavor no citrus good fruit but it has a nice neutrality and dryness.

I love the flavor no citrus good fruit but it has a nice neutrality and dryness.

Jun 5th, 2022
Cushing Donelan

White peaches, stone fruit, savory white pepper, white flowers. Gorgeous party starter.

White peaches, stone fruit, savory white pepper, white flowers. Gorgeous party starter.

Jan 28th, 2017
Dave Wood

Night out. Very nice with seafood.

Night out. Very nice with seafood.

Oct 30th, 2015
Laura Demmel

Smooth, tropical fruits, full, balanced acidity for the varietals

Smooth, tropical fruits, full, balanced acidity for the varietals

Apr 23rd, 2015
Aaron Rankin

Nice, but simple. Butterscotch, minerality and menthol. As well integrated as 6 months ago. Had I another bottle I'd drink up now.

Nice, but simple. Butterscotch, minerality and menthol. As well integrated as 6 months ago. Had I another bottle I'd drink up now.

Apr 11th, 2015
Sara Maule

Sara had this 6 years ago

Sara had this 6 years ago

Apr 21st, 2019
Michael Sinowitz

Michael had this 7 years ago

Michael had this 7 years ago

Apr 7th, 2018
Loren Gesinsky

Loren had this 5 years ago

Loren had this 5 years ago

Jan 13th, 2020