I have been craving Roussanne and Marsanne and trying to learn more about this varietal lately. The weather is perfect for sitting outside so I gathered a few bottles from Woodinville wineries and invited two friends over to enjoy the lineup with me on the backyard patio. Since we have been mostly cooped up in sweatpants for the past several months, and the sun is out, and I tossed on this lovely Ralph Lauren sundress (via Macy’s) It is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for entertaining!
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I am keeping preparation minimal and decided to serve grilled and chilled shrimp and spicy Thai noodles with tofu. I will probably add a small fresh fruit and cheese tray as an appetizer.
I gathered a small lineup of Woodinville Roussanne wines and a Marsanne from Damsel Cellars. I recently watched a live video wine tasting with Mari Womack of Damsel Cellars after she had just released her 2019 Marsanne. I couldn’t wait to bring a bottle home and try it. Tasting notes describe it as having notes of white peach and Meyer lemon and honeycomb. This was also awarded 92 points by James Suckling. I can’t wait to open this bottle later!
When I ran into Patterson Cellars two weeks ago to buy more of their 2019 Rosé, I was talking with the tasting room manager Emma as I spotted a pretty bottle of Patterson Cellars Late Harvest Roussanne. I was very intrigued and was instantly sold when Emma described this as “Liquid Gold”.
I remembered how how I enjoyed Icon Cellars Roussanne a few months back when I visited for a wine tasting. I luckily called the tasting room and was able to purchase one of the last bottles in stock. This Roussanne impressed me with tastes of hazelnut and butterscotch and Meyer lemon on the nose. It is creamy yet still crisp and refreshing. It almost pains me to open it!
Maryhill Winery’s 2017 Proprietor’s Reserve Roussanne layers apricot and melon on the nose with flavors of vanilla and mango. It has a delicious full finish. I have had this before and I enjoy it.
There are two other bottle of Roussanne from Woodinville wineries that I am going to try and pick up over the coming weekend and will open those after my gathering. Lauren Ashton Cellars has a 2012 Roussanne that I know will be delicious and I have tasted the Roussanne from Otis Kenyon. It would pair perfectly with a triple creme brie.
I can’t wait for my small summer backyard “party” this evening. With only two guests, it is funny to call it a party, but that’s ok! I’m grateful to be able to spend time with friends while we enjoy delicious Woodinville wine. Cheers to summer entertaining!
(Love my yellow scalloped umbrella? I found it on Amazon!)
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~ Jen
