2005 Qupe Marsanne Santa Ynez Valley (half bottle)
About Qupe
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...
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Expert Reviews
Rather Rhone-like aromas of dried apple and pear, minerals and nuts; a bit reduced. Concentrated, intensely flavored and penetrating, with a chewy texture to the very dry flavors of citrus skin, mint and spices. A serious, uncompromising white wine that should be flexible at the dinner table.