Rougiste

Napa Valley Red Wine

"Are you seeing red yet?"

This offering is for the Cabernet Franc lovers and downright fans of kick-ass red wine that is guaranteed to alter your perception of the bold, the seductive, the enigmatic color red.

Decades ago, we were inspired to create Amuse Bouche in order to dispel the notion that Napa Valley could not produce a world class Merlot. Similarly, our mission for Rougiste is to showcase the beauty of balanced Cabernet Franc-dominant blends, such as Cheval Blanc...an incredible wine, responsible for one of my true "aha" moments. To express our reverence for miracles that come in red, our label depicts perhaps the very first such marvel, the parting of the Red Sea.

Winemaker Notes

The Cabernet Franc benefited from its 2000' elevation in 2022. Avoiding the quick ripening from a big heat spike the blocks coasted gently to a balanced one. Cabernet Franc brings the copious tannin structure with Merlot distributing it across the palate. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon provides a burst of dark berry fruit to flesh out ripe red fruits and plum notes. Good to drink Now and will cellar well for the next 20-25 years.

Rougiste 2022 ('roo sheeste') is a blend of 68% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon from our vineyards in the Atlas Peak and Calistoga AVAs. The blend is aging for 18 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak.

  • Vineyards: Atlas Peak
  • Blend: 68% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Aging: 18 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak

94 points

2022 Vintage

"Powerful, full-bodied and drenched in black fruit, this Bordeaux-style wine is appropriately tannic, firm and deep. Black cherries, blackcurrants, black olives and hints of savory herbs and bay leaves. Second vintage of this bottling. 68% cabernet franc, 25% merlot and 7% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now or hold."
James Suckling
August 2024

93 points

2022 Vintage

"John Schwartz and Kent Jarman up the ante with their 2022 Red Wine Rougiste, a blend of 68% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from Atlas Peak and Calistoga, it features a subtle, delicate leafiness married to riper notions of black cherries and bass notes of loamy earth. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, silky textured and shows ample concentration, finishing long and elegant, with attractive whispers of black tea leaves."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
October 2024

94 points

2021 Vintage

"The 2021 Rougiste (Cabernet Franc) is another hugely promising wine from John Schwartz. Red-toned fruit, herbs and lifted floral top notes all grace this aromatically expressive, bright Franc. A touch of California sunshine adds texture."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
February 2023

94-95 points

2021 Vintage

"Aromas of orange peel, currant, flower, and cedar. Full-bodied with velvety texture and chewy tannins. Flavorful and fresh with a thoughtful finish. Hints of mushroom and forest flower. A blend of fruit from Atlas Peak and Calistoga. 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot."
James Suckling
November 2022

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