Rockstar of Wine Road 290, October 2015: Becker Reserve Roussanne

October has arrived and the Texas sky has just opened up with some oh so welcomed rainfall as I write this story, which is the October edition of the Rockstar of Wine Road 290. As with each issue of the ‘Rockstar,’ only wines that are of exceptional quality and character earn this title. An established and very well known winery takes the stage this month, with a wine that wraps its arms around you and gives you a big smooch!

The Roussanne grape has been getting a substantial amount of love lately, and this particular wine lives up to its name and beyond. The Becker Vineyards 2014 Reserve Roussanne is quite the wine. The nose kicks the senses into overdrive tossing around notes of pear, peach, pineapple, and buttered toast.

The palate confirms the nose with the addition of Granny Smith apples and lemon drops. The oak is texturally present without being overdone, and the malolactic fermentation adds the weight and mouthfeel that many of us have come to love in a buttery-style white wine. The acidity is very bright and the finish is lengthy. This Roussanne is sort of deceptive though as it is full and hefty on the mid-palate, but is then very soft and gentle on the finish. A nap in French oak barrels, 100% malolactic fermentation, and weekly batonage (stirring of the lees) all equate to a high quality bottle of wine that shines and earns the center stage as the Rockstar.

• The Rockstar: Becker Vineyards Reserve Roussanne, 2014 vintage
• The Vines: Bingham Family Vineyards, Texas High Plains AVA
• The cost: $21.95 (at time of review)

Jeremy’s thoughts: I am a Texan who believes in the Roussanne grape whole-heartedly, as we have come to see the potential it offers just like its sister, Viognier. The Becker Vineyards Reserve Roussanne makes me proud of how far our young industry has come over the past several decades. If I had to describe this wine in two words, they would be Gwyneth Paltrow: charming, and down right beautiful.

Cheers!