2018 Counoise

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Counoise

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Rodney's Vineyard (Block S) from the Fess Parker Home Ranch located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 19 months in 100% neutral French oak puncheon barrels

Cooperage

Gamba

Technical Data

Composition

100% Counoise

Alcohol %

14.9

Acidity

0.560 g/100mL

3.53

Harvest Brix

Harvest Date

11/9/18

Production

111 cases

Description

Generally used in blends, we have chosen to use Counoise as a standalone to showcase its quality and complexity. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, wild black raspberry and red plum dominate, with secondary notes of cedar, anise, vanilla and baking spices. Black cherry, plum and wild strawberry coat the palate with finishing notes of cinnamon, vanilla and sandalwood.

Counoise would be a perfect complement to sausage and shrimp jambalaya, grilled lamb chops or stuffed bell peppers.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...exquisite. In 2018, the Counoise is beautifully layered and complex. Rose petal, spice, new leather, mint and blood orange build beautifully in the glass. There is an exotic quality to the Counoise that is racy and undeniably appealing." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "I loved the 2018 Counoise Rodney's Vineyard, and it's always fun to see this variety on its own. Offering a solid ruby/plum color as well as complex notes of mulberries, blackberries, leather, flowers, and peppery herbs, it's medium-bodied, has a great mid-palate, integrated acidity, and ripe tannins...and should keep for 4-5 years as well." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "A ruby shade in the glass, this bottling pops on the nose with pomegranate and joyous red-plum aromas, as toasty brown Christmas spices linger in the background. Tangy acidity and a relatively light body present baked red-plums flavors on the palate." ~ Wine Enthusiast