Sine Qua Non Atlantis Fe 203-3e Roussanne Vin de Paille (375ML half-bottle) 2005
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Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Atlantis Fe 203-3e Roussanne Vin de Paille is a 100% Roussanne cuvee possessing 352 grams of residual sugar per liter. While it is a stunning effort, when tasted next to the two Mr. K. whites, it comes in slightly below those two out-of-this-world offerings. Incredible aromas of honeysuckle and marmalade are classic late-harvest Roussanne, and the wine’s sweet style is beautifully balanced by terrific acidity (12.5 grams of acid per liter).
Sine Qua Non has its own winemaking facility in Ventura, California not far from the Santa Barbara vineyards where the fruit is sourced from. In the last few years Manfred and his wife, Elaine, have begun creating their own vineyards dedicated to Rhone varietals. Their winemaking philosophy is to work in very small batches, gravity flow, natural yeasts (unless a fermentation problem is anticipated), long lees aging for the whites and repeated racking for the reds to open them up. This is a modified explanation of a very dedicated and artistic approach to winemaking. The wines are simultaneously very rich and elegant, superbly balanced and thoroughly harmonious with food, never overwhelming.