2010 Pelerin, Les Tournesols Monterey.
This Rhone style white cuvee of Viognier and Roussanne is just plain delicious and wonderfully pleasing and filled with energy from start to finish. Chris Weidemann is crafting some world class wines under his own Pelerin and this latest set are stunning examples of artisan Monterey wines with a heavy focus on the Santa Lucia Highlands, where his sources fruit from Gary Francsioni (Rosella’s and the new Sierra Mar Vineyards) and from Paraiso Vineyards which are some of the best sites in the area. His Pinot Noir and Syrah wines are his claim to fame, but don’t over look this beautiful 2010 Les Tournesols White as it really delivers the best of these varietals with heady perfume of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus and rich oily texture. For this vintage the blend was more Viognier, 58% and with Roussanne at 42% coming off Paraiso Vineyards and the year was very good for these grapes and it shows in the level of ripeness and pureness of character with vibrant acidity and stoney mineral essences. The flavors unfold with vigorous intensity showing apricot, meyer lemon, peach, tangerine and clarified cream plus hints of anise, peppery spice and butterscotch notes. The aging was in neutral French cask for about 6 months, that helped smooth the texture and gives a note of smoke and a kiss of vanilla, but allow the crisp fresh nature to continue to shine through. Look for this white blend to drink great for the next few years, highly recommended.
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
