RHÔNE STYLE WINES

California Wines ~ Rhône Style

The Rhone Valley is divided into two diverse wine regions ~ Northern and Southern Rhone


We call them Viognier and Syrah or Shiraz but they are all descendants of grapes grown in the Rhône Valley region of France, a huge, diverse, viticultural area planted in the first century BC by the Romans.


Northern Rhône Style Wines

In the Northern Rhône there are seven major appellations including Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Condrieu where steep, craggy hillsides with a variety of limestone, quartz, minerals, clay, gravel, iron and sand make up the soils, however the only red grape grown here is Syrah (Shiraz) while the predominate white grapes are Roussanne and Viognier and the wines are largely made by blending grapes planted in different soil types and terroirs.

Here in Northern California we grow Syrah is similar soils which shape the character of the grapes. We make the wines in the traditional way, no additives, no fining, no filtering and in turn the wines are exceptional.


Southern Rhône Style Wines

In the Southern Rhône the major appellations are Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône where Grenache is the primary red grape, but is joined by up to twelve others, most commonly Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Here the wines are grown in a wide range of terroirs, hot, dry micro climates and soils producing lighter, more open wines expressing red fruit flavors over black fruits such as fresh ripe cherries, raspberry and strawberry flavors, often with fresh Provencal herbs, olives, cloves and a nice, spicy accent.

Here in Northern California we have found specific vineyards that mirror the terroir of the Southern Rhône and produce a wide, diverse array of exciting early drinking wines meant to be enjoyed on release.



Rhone Map


Williamson Rhone Style Wines

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Elate Grange Cuvée

Deep purple color showing a complex, weighted, concentrated wine combining intense, ripe plum aromas with smoky, coffee and plum-like fruit. Balanced and opulent showing long term potential.

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Embrace Grenache

Soft, full-bodied and easy-drinking with soft aromas of spun sugar and light earthy hints of sweet kumquat peel In the mouth, a hint of the sweet-sour toffee-apple and nice cranberry fruit with a persuasive, lightly textured finish.

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Enchant Trinity GSM

Enchanting dark garnet; complex aromas of red licorice, blueberry, smoked meat and violets. Great balance and a medium-long finish, exhibiting beautiful freshness, superb maturity, great fragrance, and full-bodied power.

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Harmony SGM

Aromas of red currant, red plum and clove spices. Fragrant violet with a burst of red berry fruits lingering softly on a velvety texture. Three majestic grape varieties together in a true Barossa Valley style.

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Heritage Shiraz

A great Shiraz with a structure and intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit with hints of exotic spice, coffee and cocoa, exclusively from the Williamson vineyard consisting of Australian Shiraz and French Hermitage clones.

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Caress Cuvee Blanc

Golden Châteauneuf-du-Pape style white wine. Aroma of candied peach, honeyed apricots, and quince with a honeysuckle floral note . The mouth is dry with a peach, apricot and tropical fruit flavor and a long, lingering, sensual finish.

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Frolic Viognier

Pale gold in color with a rich, fresh honeysuckle and orange blossom nose. In the mouth, very pleasant clean, light, lively flavors of peach and apricot, medium rich body with a nice finish of well balanced acidity.

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Relish Roussanne

A powerful dignified nose with aromas of passionfruit, ginger, Asian pear and herbs. The mouth savors flavors of honey and tea with a hint of tropical air. The long, clean finish shows the appealing minerality of a fine food wine.

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Adore Rosé

A crisp classic, all rich, strawberry-raspberry fruit and full of vibrant acidity. Enjoyable flavor, refreshing, fruity and aromatic. Serve with grilled fish, meats and sausages, all barbecue food pairs perfectly with Provence rosé.

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