Villa Creek Cellars
James Berry Vineyard Roussanne
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
I have often struggled to appreciate Roussanne as it often lacks the acidity that I prefer in white wines. That being said, I always keep an open mind and experiences like this are the reason why. As a pairing, this was absolutely perfect with our seafood boil. Richly floral with stone fruits and nuts. A wine of texture with an undeniable oily-ness about it. The finish lasted 15-20 seconds; just long enough for the next bite of crab, lobster or shrimp. Repeat. This was markedly better than the first bottle we had a couple years back and I have to believe a little cellar time and the right food made the difference.
I have often struggled to appreciate Roussanne as it often lacks the acidity that I prefer in white wines. That being said, I always keep an open mind and experiences like this are the reason why. As a pairing, this was absolutely perfect with our seafood boil. Richly floral with stone fruits and nuts. A wine of texture with an undeniable oily-ness about it. The finish lasted 15-20 seconds; just long enough for the next bite of crab, lobster or shrimp. Repeat. This was markedly better than the first bottle we had a couple years back and I have to believe a little cellar time and the right food made the difference.
Jan 23rd, 2021My first experience with this wine...and I’m still unsure whether or not I like Roussanne. A striking golden color. Initially, this was a bit of a chore to drink: Tropical, squishy fruits, custard, marshmallow, creme brûlée...and a bit heavy handed...but with some air and temperature, this shifted from tropical to honeysuckle, lemon curd and meringue. Still, a substantial body and not enough mineral acid for my taste; certainly not what I would call a porch pounder. Lowish acid. The CdP Blancs are more interesting to me.
My first experience with this wine...and I’m still unsure whether or not I like Roussanne. A striking golden color. Initially, this was a bit of a chore to drink: Tropical, squishy fruits, custard, marshmallow, creme brûlée...and a bit heavy handed...but with some air and temperature, this shifted from tropical to honeysuckle, lemon curd and meringue. Still, a substantial body and not enough mineral acid for my taste; certainly not what I would call a porch pounder. Lowish acid. The CdP Blancs are more interesting to me.
Jun 3rd, 2019
Stone fruits as well as tropical fruits. Nice round mouthfeel.
Stone fruits as well as tropical fruits. Nice round mouthfeel.
Dec 7th, 2019
Tropical fruit, oily, lemon, rich, awesome.
Tropical fruit, oily, lemon, rich, awesome.
Jan 1st, 2016
Happy thanksgiving, much to be thankful for. The apple in this one went well with the traditional turkey and stuffing.
Happy thanksgiving, much to be thankful for. The apple in this one went well with the traditional turkey and stuffing.
Nov 27th, 2015