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spacer.gif ^ Wine Bar Reviews | Favorite Wine Stores
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These are wines that blend any combintion of three grape varietals that were almost exclusively grown in the Rhone Valley up until about 10-15 years ago: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Sometimes a little Picpoul Blanc makes it into the blend. While Viognier is becoming quite popular on its' own the other two grapes generally don't have enough distinguishing characteristics to be bottled alone. Marsanne is used for weight and color, Viognier for it's floral & fruity aromatics, Roussanne for its' acidity and elegance and Grenache Blanc for its green fruit, minerality and persistant finish. (Roussanne and Grenache Blanc are beginning to break out in California with several wineries making 100% versions. They are ones to watch out for.) Outside of Southern France, you'll find most Rhone blends are coming from the Central Coast of California and South Eastern Australia. With the exception of Marsanne, the other three grapes are harder to grow, so expect somewhat high prices for these wines ($20+), at least for most New World versions.

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spacer.gif2008 Barrel 27 Wine Co. "High on the Hog", Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2008 Halter Ranch Cotes de Paso Blanc, Paso Robles, CARATING: **
spacer.gif2008 Kaena Hapa Blanc, Santa Barbara, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2008 Mas Neuf Paradox Blanc, Costières-de-Nimes, FranceRATING: **
spacer.gif2008 Sans Liege Cotes-du-Coast, Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2007 Adelaida Cellars "Version" White, Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2007 Edward Sellers Blanc Du Rhone, Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2007 Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Dorés, Costières-de-Nimes, FranceRATING: **
spacer.gif2007 Kaena Hapa Blanc, Santa Barbara, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2006 Adelaida Cellars "Version" White, Paso Robles, CARATING: **
spacer.gif2006 Barrel 27 Wine Co. "High on the Hog", Paso Robles, CARATING: *
spacer.gif2006 Cass Winery Estate Cuveé, Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2006 d'Arenberg "The Hermit Crab", McLaren Vale, AustraliaRATING: **
spacer.gif2006 Edward Sellers Blanc Du Rhone, Paso Robles, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2006 Ch. Grand Cassagne "Cassanus", Costières-de-Nimes, FranceRATING: *
spacer.gif2006 Stolpman Vineyards L'Avion, Santa Barbara, CARATING: ***
spacer.gif2006 Villa Creek White, Paso Robles, CARATING: **



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**** Outstanding | *** Delicious | ** Enjoyable | * Drinkable
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