Rougiste

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

2023 Rougiste (‘roo sheeste’) – Comprised of 70% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and sourced from our high elevation Atlas Peak vineyards, our mission for this wine is to showcase the beauty of balanced Cabernet Franc dominant blends. The fruit underwent a 4 day cold soak and 14 days of fermentation, utilizing the Délestage process which is a technique that gently extracts phenolic compounds by oxygenating the juice to produce a softer, less astringent wine with more fruit character. The 2023 is inky and gorgeous with notes of subtle cassis, dried dark cherry, and hints of licorice. Aged for 18 months in fine-grain, lightly toasted French oak barrels, this wine is youthful yet incredibly approachable. Drink now with a brief decant or cellar for the next 20+ years. 250 cases produced.

• Vineyards: Atlas Peak
• Blend: 70% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 18 months in fine-grain, lightly toasted French oak barrels

Please download and complete the order form to purchase your 6-bottle allocation of Rougiste 2023.