92
points
Y Rousseau 2008 Milady Chardonnay (Mount Veeder)
-
$38
This is a strong, oaky, ripe Chardonnay, grown on a mountain better known for Cabernet. It’s powerful and intense in pineapple tart, pear marmalade, Meyer lemon and lime flavors that have been liberally oaked, and it shows the creamy influence of lees. Not particularly subtle, it’s a wine you don’t want to drink too cold.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
92
points
Y Rousseau 2008 Le Roi Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)
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$65
An interesting wine you can call intellectual. Its appeal is as much conceptual as hedonistic. It’s the opposite of today’s soft, sweet fruit bombs, being bone dry and somewhat austere, showing a tightly knit tannic structure. With an explosive, but controlled, central core of blackberries, it’s a cellar candidate. It will be fascinating to try this wine after 2014.
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)
89
points
Y Rousseau 2008 Old Vines Colombard (Russian River Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
-
$18
Almost nobody in California makes a Columbard, especially in a high-rent district like Russian River, but this white wine deserves your attention. It’s dry and very crisp in acidity, with flavors of citrus fruits, peaches, pears, honeysuckle flowers and spices. Great as an interesting alternative to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
87
points
Y Rousseau 2009 Cavedale Vineyards Smokin’ Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)
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$45
A rich, dry young Cabernet, with fresh blackberry, cherry and oak flavors, brightened by a burst of citrusy acidity. The tannins are strong, however, giving the wine a sandpapery astringency. Needs a few years, although it doesn’t have the stuffing for the long haul. Your window is around 2014.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
87
points
Y Rousseau 2009 Old Vines Colombard (Russian River Valley)
-
$18
Tastes grapey, with green table grape, pineapple, vanilla and spice flavors, and the finish is totally dry and crisp. It’s a good, rich, savory wine, rather like a Pinot Gris, at a good price.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
85
points
Y Rousseau 2009 Milady Chardonnay (Mount Veeder)
-
$38
Made in the ripe, sweet, oaky California style, this barrel-fermented Chardonnay has flavors of pineapples, pears, peaches, buttered toast and vanilla cream, balanced with crisp acidity.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)