2009 Qupe Roussanne Bien Nacido Hillside Santa Barbara

About the Wine

Bob Lindquist is a pioneer in Santa Barbara winemaking. He planted some of the first cool climate Syrah in California at the Bien Nacido vineyard in the 1990s. He became known as one of founding Rhone Rangers, demonstrating that Rhone varietals could succeed in California.

"Qupe" is a Chumash Native American word for poppy, the California state flower often found in the area. The Bien Nacido vineyard translates to "of good birth" and is part of a larger parcel, associated with an original California land grant. Given the vineyard's east-west exposition, the cool air from the Pacific Ocean flows into the Santa Maria valley and creates a perfect, natural air conditioning that keeps nights and mornings cool and the days warm. For this reason, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme here. And, as Bob discovered, so too does Syrah.

The Hillside Roussanne is considered the top wine in the Qupe lineup. A vineyard plot planted specifically for Roussanne based on Bob's direction and inspiration from the greatest Rhone vineyards.

Reviews

A rich, full Roussanne that still shows plenty of acidity and freshness, the 2009 Qupé Roussanne Hillside Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard is a blend of 100% Roussanne that spent 18 months in 1-year-old French oak barrels. Showing a medium-gold color as well as smoky, rich aromas of buttered peach, juiced pear, big minerality, toasted almonds, and honeycomb-driven aromatics, it is steely and firm on the palate, with plenty of fruit and mid-palate, depth, racy acidity, and a lengthy finish. It needs another year or two to round into shape, and will have a solid 10-15 year drink window. ~93+, Jeb Dunnuck

Light, bright gold. Intense aromas of candied pear, quince and anise, with suave floral and ginger qualities adding a vibrant quality. Lush, sappy and focused, displaying energetic orchard fruit flavors complemented by deeper hints of peach pit and marzipan. The pear note carries through on the finish, which clings with impressive tenacity. ~91 Vinous Media

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