2003 Qupe Chardonnay Bien Nacido Reserve Block Eleven Santa Maria Valley

Bob Lindquist was an early proponent of Rhône varieties in California, and not just red grapes. His rich, thick Roussanne, often quite uncompromising in the early going, benefits from decanting or short-term cellaring while his early-bottled and considerably less expensive Marsanne is brighter and lighter. Qupé Cellars is also a source of consistently interesting Syrah, Grenache and blends, with dark berry flavors perked up by cool floral, herbal and spice elements. These wines generally need a year or two of bottle aging.

Bob Lindquist was an early proponent of Rhône varieties in California, and not just red grapes. His rich, thick Roussanne, often quite uncompromising in the early going, benefits from decanting or short-term cellaring while his early-bottled and considerably less expensive Marsann... more