Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807387
{ SOMMjournal.com } 95 WIND GAP 2015 TROUSSEAU GRIS, FANUCCHI WOOD ROAD VINEYARD, Russian River Valley (SRP $26) The previous two wines may have been curve balls, but the Trousseaus Gris managed to strike out the entire group. Wind Gap focuses on traditional winemaking techniques—wild yeasts, low yields, stem inclusion, etc.—and sourcing grapes from cooler wine regions. In this case, it's Trousseaus Gris from the Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Karl Ziegler, Pacific Regional Sales Director for Wind Gap's partner, Terroir, explained, "These Trousseau Gris vines were planted in 1981. [Winemaker Pax Mahle] likes to give it a little bit of skin contact. He thinks it adds a little mouthfeel, texture. We make between 800 and 1,000 cases depending on vintage. All of the grapes at Wind Gap are crushed by foot. This wine was fermented in concrete eggs, 30% stainless, and then goes into élevage in a combination of stain - less and neutral oak." we did a ten-year GV tasting in Sonoma, the highlight of which was the 2005 vin- tage that held up remarkably." After reviewing the striking similari- ties in comparing the Umpqua Valley to Austria's Wachau region, even down to their respective windy rivers, Reustle dived into a bit of technical detail. "We go right down to one cluster per shoot, coming in right around two tons per acre. I do a whole-cluster press; the grapes are basically brought in within an hour of picking. Then I ferment at very low temperature for about 45 days on average. We age this wine about six months on lees, periodically stirring." Tasting Notes: Aromas of papaya and musk along with citrus and minerality. Although this drinks clean and fresh, it leans more towards earthy than fruity. Would pair well with a wide variety of dishes. —Sharon Coombs Wet stone, pear plush texture with gobs of citrus. Really integrated and elegant with a ton of subtly; a tad funky too. —Mary Thompson Karl Ziegler, Pacific Regional Sales Director, Terroir. Tasting Notes: Subtle notes of cherry and peach play against crisp apple and cherry blossom; dry, high intensity on the palate. Higher in acid and a slight touch of phenolic. Great balance, long finish. —Joel Caruso Apples, tea, rose petal and a touch of smoke; nuts. Possible skin contact. —Olivia Ragni