“Roc-Epine” is a riff on Roquepine, the name of both a town in the region and of a famous race horse. In the 1970s, Jean-Pierre Lafond, a racing enthusiast, gave the name to his estate, which is based in the rosé-focused appellation of Tavel but includes holdings in several other Southern Rhône appellations, including Lirac.

The Lirac appellation is about 15 kilometers north of the city of Avignon, not far from where the Rhône River reaches the Mediterranean Sea. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape across the way, this is a hot, windy, sun-drenched climate, with vineyards situated on a broad, limestone-rich plateau strewn with large cobblestones (galets roulés) arrayed over sand and clay (stones which collect heat and radiate it well into the evening hours).

This textured white is a blend of Grenache Blanc (50%), Roussanne (30%), and Viognier (20%). Grapes are hand-harvested, de-stemmed, and left to macerate briefly on their skins before a cool fermentation and aging in stainless steel. The wine is bottled early the following year to maximize freshness and primary fruit flavors.

Displaying a deep yellow-gold core, the wine announces that it contains ~20% Viognier right out of the gate, with aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, and yellow peach. The glossy, full- bodied palate holds rich flavors of fresh peach, orange oil, grilled nuts, sweet almond, and herbal tea. A substantial, richly layered mouthfeel is highlighted by a gliding balance and rising, slow- motion acidity, framing the lingering aroma and viscous texture.