Winemaker Notes

Cobden Wini’s award-winning blend of Marsanne (74%) and Roussanne (26%); Two white grape varieties somewhat uncommon in California but commonplace in the Rhone Valley of France. The 2015 blend is from the Clondaire Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills and was our first year working with fruit from the vineyard. The wine is loaded with notes of wild pear, honey, vanilla, with hints of citrus oil. The mouthfeel is thick and luscious, with a lingering finish of quince and honeysuckle. This wine will pair great with any fish, pork, or poultry dish and is actually perfect with spicy foods like Thai or Mexican. Sadly, in 2016 the Marsanne was ripped from the vineyard and so we switched vineyards for future blends. 

Vineyards

Clondaire Vineyard, located in the Sierra Foothills AVA and Calaveras County, is a hidden gem for grape growing.  The 11 acre vineyard sits at an elevation of about 1500 ft. which helps keep temperatures down and makes it ideal for Rhone varieties.  The 2015 vintage was our first year working with fruit from Clondaire. They have several varieties of grapes planted, including Grenache blanc, Dolcetto, Verdelho, and Roussanne. 

Technical notes

Barrel Description: 100% neutral French oak
Barrel aging: 9 months on the lees, with monthly stirring
Variety: 74% Marsanne, 25% Roussanne
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.7 g/L
Alc: 14.4%
VA: 0.35 g/L