Tercero 2014 Roussanne

Another overdue review of one of my favorite wines from Larry. For those who don’t consider themselves “white wine drinkers,” I present to you this Roussanne…

About the Wine: The Tercero 2014 Roussanne is made of 100% Roussanne grapes harvested from the Zaca Mesa Vineyard located in Santa Barbara, California. Unlike the Tercero Aberration—a red wine aged for a short time period in 100% stainless steel—this white wine was aged for 15 months in used French oak barrels. Four barrels produced.

14.5% ABV

Flavor Profile: Twist off the Stelvin screw cap (*wink*)…Pear, apple, pollen/chamomile, slight acidity already. The wine is a light, pale yellow on the pour. In the glass, a bit thicker, like a very blonde caramel.

Initial aromas are of funky fruits. Those apples, those pairs, have fallen to the ground and are fermenting in the sun. There is still that soft, very organic floral note that lingers about in the aura. Swirl, enlivening the acidity and bringing forward a bit of herbaceousness. Do I smell some eucalyptus leaf? Maybe some menthol? Very intriguing indeed…

The palate is soft, full, textural. A calm and consistent acidity rides from start the start and then slightly, almost surprisingly, jumps forward with increasing force adding a bit of spice-like feeling, though the wine itself is not really spicy. Like a fresh ginger kind of heat I would say.

Dominant flavors are of apple, pear, honey, pollen, there’s a tropical breeze-like salinity (oh you know what I mean), and again in the background I get that kind of exotic herbaceousness, let’s add a bit of lemongrass to the mix and maybe even just a hint, a shaving, a mere suggestion of ginger.

Gums tingle, the finish is long. Tongue is left with just a bit of texture, just at the very center. An intriguing wine to say the least and very curious as to how it could age.

Food Pairing: Swordfish steak, coconut white rice, Asian slaw with a peanut-coconut dressing, and bok choy, baby!

More Info: I received the Tercero Wines 2014 Roussanne as a sample for review. (Cheers Larry!) Price: $25. For more information about Larry, his wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Tercero Wines website.

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**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**