Perhaps the finest Roussanne produced outside of the cuvees made by Manfred Krankl at California’s Sine Qua Non, is Giaconda’s 2003 Roussanne Aeolia. A 100% Roussanne that enjoyed 100% malolactic, and was aged in 15% new oak for 11 months, it offers classic rose petal liqueur notes intermixed with honeysuckle and sealing wax. This lavishly rich, extravagant white reveals surprisingly good underlying acidity, and minimal wood. It is a stunning effort, but as with most Roussannes, I would not advise long-term cellaring, but would opt for drinking this beauty over the next 1-3 years. Proprietor/winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner is good friends with both John Kongsgaard and David Ramey in California. Perhaps they had some influence on how well this cuvee has turned out. Importer: Negociants, USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993