Drink: Rotie Cellars Southern Blend 2011
Most people probably don't hear "Washington state" and think "South of France." But I've come to think of that corner of the Pacific Northwest, and in particular Walla Walla Valley, as producing some of the most compelling Rhône-style
Most people probably don't hear "Washington state" and think "South of France." But I've come to think of that corner of the Pacific Northwest, and in particular Walla Walla Valley, as producing some of the most compelling Rhône-style wines in America. This lush and spicy Rôtie Cellars Southern Blend from 2011 only reinforces that idea. Winemaker Sean Boyd makes two blends modeled after Rhône's signature regional styles, including a Syrah-based northern blended with viognier. The southern style is inspired by the "GSM" grape combo that signals Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with primarily grenache - a grape almost never seen Stateside - plus a quarter mourvèdre and a splash of Syrah and cinsault in the mix. The result is New World meets Old World beauty, with a ripe burst of black raspberry on first sip followed quickly by dark licorice, bitter cocoa, and a peppery, herbal spice that has a long savory finish hinting of oil-cured black olives. With five years of age, this wine is drinking great right now. Even better, it's on serious sale in Pennsylvania, at least $10 to $15 less than I've seen online.
- Craig LaBan
Rôtie Cellars Southern Blend 2011, on sale for $19.99 in Pennsylvania (code 78291)