2013 Red Car Vivio Vineyard Roussanne, 1.5ltr

Red Car is Sonoma Coast producer founded in 2000 by Carroll Kemp and Mark Estrin, a pair of amateur winemakers who had both worked in Hollywood’s movie business. They decided to name their wine enterprise after the electric trolley cars that ran throughout Los Angeles in the first half of the 20th century. Red Car makes a portfolio of wines under several labels, but its prestige label in the Reserve, which includes Pinot Noir, Syrah and Roussane.

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.