2012 Lillian Winery Roussanne

Lillian Winery was started in 2004 when winemaker Maggie Harrison made a small amount of Syrah from the celebrated White Hawk Vineyard. Harrison was an apprentice to Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non for nearly a decade, and is now an acclaimed winemaker herself. She sources grapes from the Central Coast of California. Harrison is also winemaker and part owner at Antica Terra in Oregon. Lillian makes several Syrahs.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This white grape is often blended with Marsanne. It is one of the few grapes allowed in many Rhone appellations. It is easily distinguished by its russet color when ripe. Producers who favor Roussanne include Chateau Beaucastel and Sine Qua Non.