Thornton Winery 2011 Roussane - Review

Thornton Winery
2011 Roussane
Temecula Valley, CA

Thornton Winery opened in 1988, offering California's Temecula Valley a beautiful facility for wine tastings and dining. Inspired by French chateaux, the winery is now considered one of the Valley's best destinations for celebrating gastronomy. Thornton produces sparkling wines as well as a broad range of award-winning still wines. Currently, the winery's lineup offers a large number of varietals and styles including Merlot, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Viognier as well as Roussanne. The 2011 Roussane — the winery's spelling of the varietal — is a very pretty interpretation for Thornton's inaugural bottling. On the nose it offers wildflowers and honey with pear and apple fruit. Upfront flavors are of Bartlett pear with an interesting floral note. Toward the mid and back of the palate the wine evolves to incorporate honey and a touch of licorice and clove. Try it with simple, poached shellfish with garlic and fennel. For something a little more exotic, the Roussane would work with Middle Eastern-spiced lamb shank and couscous. Vegetarians should try it with a lentil and herb salad.

Rating: 13/20
Price: $19

Other Roussanne wines we have tasted
Check out our Temecula Valley Travel Guide

For more information, visit www.thorntonwine.com