Arnot-Roberts California Trousseau 2023

Trousseau is a relatively obscure grape native to France's Jura region which has only recently seen an uptick in popularity across consumer markets. Yielding an intensely aromatic, light red wine, its capacity for terroir transmission and effortlessly refreshing qualities have made it something of a muse for the 'New Wine' movement in California. Arnot-Roberts craft what might just be the States' greatest example, having largely kick-started Trousseau's popularity in the country with their 2009 bottling. Pale in colour, beautifully perfumed, and brimming with crushed-rock minerality, this wine is more than a match for any top-quality Trousseau from the Jura. 

92/100 - The 2023 Trousseau is bold and effusive from start to finish. Soaring floral and savory aromatics make a strong opening statement. Dried flowers, alpine herbs, mint, rose petal and wild cherry open with a bit of coaxing. A wine of complexity and dynamic energy, the Trousseau is terrific in 2023. This is such a gorgeous wine. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

93/100 - Trousseau has become trendy throughout the US, but Arnot Roberts has been making one since 2009. This North Coast designate wine is primarily from the Luchsinger Vineyard in the Big Valley District of Lake County, with the remaining 25% coming from the Russian River Valley site, Las Cimas. Both vineyards are at significant elevation, showing Trousseau's natural elegance and purity of fruit: bright red currants and tart cranberries, with dollops of fresh savoury herbs and mint. The palate shows such clarity, bright fruit tones, a hint of minerality, and brilliant acidity lifting the entire affair. It's a wonderfully fresh and very pretty wine. - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter