2008 Vivace Winenotes
Year:
2008
notes:
Current Release
Harvest Date:
October 22, 2008
Bottle Date:
March 15, 2010
Release Date:
June 1, 2010
Grape AVA:
Russian River Valley
Alcohol:
14.0%
Brix:
24.6
TA:
5.7
pH:
3.49
Grapes:
47% Roussanne; 47% Marsanne; 6% Chardonnay
We obtained the "secret" to making this "Rhone Style" white wine while visiting with a wine maker at an excellent small winery in the south of France . (and it is the addition of a small amount of Chardonnay to the Marsanne/Roussanne Blend). This wine was aged sur lie (on the lees or yeast) in French oak barrels (50% new) for more than a year.
My favorite of the three Vivace-Ermitage Blanc wines sampled but not by much. Floral, honeysuckle, lemon and minerals make up the nose. Very light oak compared to the 07 with an interesting carmel and buttery quality that picks up the finish. Medium finish and a really balanced wine. No flaws here! 93 pts. Jon Glas 5/12/2010.