This is part of a report on 2009 Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.
Chateau Rollat made quite a splash with their first releases in 2007. Two years later, the winery has their second red and white wine releases. Could these wines match the dazzle of their initial wines?
Yes. Bowin Lindgren teams with esteemed Bordeaux winemaker Christian LeSommer to craft wines that stand with some of the valley’s finest. While the 2006 Rollat and Edouard are less initially exuberant than their predecessors at present, the wines are every bit as good. The new white releases under the Ardenvoir label are equally as compelling.
Unfortunately considering the excellence of these wines, the winery has been hampered on the business side. Chateau Rollat’s website is woefully inadequate and contains little information about the winery. None of the current vintages are listed although they have long been released. The Ardenvoir wines which are bottled under their own label do not have a website. Additionally, I have heard more than a few stories from (in some cases former) wine club members who have had issues with shipments. While the wines of Chateau Rollat are inspired, this spells trouble for the winery, particularly in the current economic climate.
Ardenvoir Rosé Columbia Valley 2008 $16
Rating: + (Good) Orange with a tinge of yellow in color. Very light on nose. The taste is clean and crisp. Sampled at 57 degrees.
Ardenvoir Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2008 $22
Rating: * (Excellent) An alluring nose with lemon, yeast, wheat, and spice. Crisp and fresh on the palate. 92% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc.
Ardenvoir Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2008 $19
Rating: * (Excellent) Pale yellow. A gorgeous nose with light spices and lemon zest aromas. Very clean on the palate with a very French-styled feel.
Chateau Rollat Rollat Walla Walla Valley 2006 $38
Rating: * (Excellent) A berry-filled nose with red and blue fruit along with exotic spices. Well balanced across the palate with red fruit and a tannin profile that will allow the wine to age well. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. 13.9% alcohol. Sampled at 68 degrees.
Chateau Rollat Edouard Walla Walla Valley 2006 $62
Rating: **(Exceptional) An alluring nose with ground spices and red fruit along with tobacco and pencil lead accents. Fleshy and full on the palate with soft tannins. An expressive taste that glides to the finish. A bit locked up at the moment. Give 1-2 years. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. 14.4% alcohol.
Sean, I agree that as good as these wines are, the marketing/sales efforts have not worked at all. But if anyone is interested in trying them, I've seen them at Costco for about 40% off list price.
Paul, WOW that makes for some good prices. I had heard that Costco was carrying them but didn't realize it was at such a steep discount. Thanks for the heads up.