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Italian Grapes, California Wine: Rodrigue Molyneaux – Livermore Valley
Hearing about a winery named Rodrigue Molyneaux, located in the Livermore Valley, one might think they follow a strictly Spanish or French tradition. The fact is, however, they’ve got a more Italian kind of flare. With a few different varietals and a “secret” blend, their namesake label focuses on Italian grape varieties. (The winery’s second label “Chateau Molyneaux” brings out their French side.)
Now, Italian grapes and the Livermore may not be as synonyms as some of the the Sierra-Foothill appellations, but our tasting panel expects that to change once people catch on the quality of the Valley. These two new releases from Rodrigue Molyneaux only help to further the case.
Grape: Barbera
Winery: Rodrigue Molyneaux
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of plums and strawberries come together with hints of spice and earth on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of plum, raspberry, and cherry accented by notes of spice and toasty oak. A Barbera that’s rather easy-going for the grape variety, fans of reds with bright fruit will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89
Grape: Sangiovese
Winery: Rodrigue Molyneaux
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Price: 25-30
Review:
Made from estate grown fruit, the wine offers a bouquet of cherries, raspberries, leather, and cedar greet the senses. A sip reveals flavors of cherry and raspberry with accents of sweet earth, clove, and orange rind. It’s a softer, more elegant Sangiovese that is much more approachable than its bright and earthy Italian counterparts.
Rating: 89
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