2011 Arnot-Roberts Trousseau Luchsinger Vineyard, Lake County.
Duncan Arnot Meyers has been getting lots of critical acclaim for his wines and has a small cult like following for his textured and uniquely detailed wines that have found a niche in “I want some different” category and I must admit I am now a believer, especially after tasting his latest efforts, like this 2011 Trousseau. Trousseau, more commonly found in the Jura region of France, might be related to Petit Verdot, but is remarkably unique in that it gives a hauntingly light color and gives wonderful spice and flower layers. Arnot-Roberts have found some magic with this grape and this 2011 is beautifully detailed, lively and elegant with dried violets, rose oil, lavender and truffle notes on the spicy bouquet while blueberry, cherry and plum fruit emerge on the silky palate with refined tannins, vibrant acidity and a savory red pepper and earth notes giving verve and complexity. This is a must have wine for wine geeks and Jura fans, plus it is really lovely, drink often and early.
($34 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive