2013 Arnot-Roberts, Trousseau, North Coast.
Seriously, this is one of the most sought after wines in the state, yes, it is, a pale, light bodied red that just has enough color to make you believe it is not a rose, but it is ultra cool and Duncan Meyers can’t get get enough Trousseau Noir grapes to satisfy his Arnot-Roberts fans for this unique Jura style red. The 2013 Arnot-Roberts Trousseau (Noir) comes from two locations, from the original plots in Lake County and now from some new sites in the Sonoma Coast area, that is why the label now reads North Coast wine. Only a tiny amount of this wine ever makes the shelves, but in case you do see it, you should grab all you can, it is bright, lifting, spicy and delicate, a wonderful expression of this varietal and very delicious. In fact all the new and up coming releases from Duncan Meyers and Arnot-Roberts are wonderful wines, a couple worth mentioning are the two new Santa Cruz mountains Pinot Noirs, the new Trout Gulch Chardonnay, also from the Santa Cruz Mountains and farmed by Richard Alfaro, who has also sold some of his estate Gruner Veltliner to the Arnot-Roberts boys in 2014, plus the new North Coast Syrah, so be sure to keep your eyes pealed for the 2013 vintage Arnot-Roberts, these are beautiful California wines. Duncan has made a set of flavorful, vibrant wines all coming in around 12 to 13% alcohol, and all show beautiful detail and a talented artisan touch. Back to the lively and exotic Trousseau Noir, it starts with fresh picked strawberry, cherry and light plum fruits, a hint of floral tone, wilted rose petals, and earthy spices, fennel, plus with wet and dusty stones, peppercorns and with herbal notes, tangy red currants and a touch of cedar on the finish. This smooth and crisp red lingers gracefully on the finish and is softly fruity with saline and savory elements throughout, this is really fun wine, you can see why it is so popular and a total wine geek wine, drink from 2015 to 2018.
($36 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
