2023 was a perfect vintage for Northern California with excellent weather conditions from early Spring to harvest time; the quality of the grapes was excellent. Even though, SOB shows the “softer” side of Yannick’s favorite red grape - Tannat – this vintage is bold, dense yet focused. Color: Deep and vibrant black cherry. Nose: Bright, deep, full, generous, elegant and complex with notes of blackberries, dry herbs, savory notes like black olives and delicate French oak. Mouthfeel: Generous entrance leading to juicy mid-palate, full-bodied, solid structure, offering sweet spices, cocoa powder, blackberries, silky tannins, great balance and fresh long finish.
It’s an unmistakable California “resident”, rich, juicy and with youthful vibe, but the one who doesn’t forget its French heritage and its “je ne sais quoi”.
Think of a delicious meat lasagna, pork chop, a steaming bowl of chili, meatloaf, eggplant parmesan or “tout simplement” a juicy hamburger to pair with the wine. Tastes like a $45 bottle of Red Blend.
Story
French winemaker Yannick Rousseau’s love affair with wine began at age five with his first glass of watered-down wine made by his grandpa, Pépé. Pépé was an Artisan Butcher, he also hunted his own food, and made his own wine. Yannick has fond memories of long dinners with many laughs and heated discussions accompanied by simple, delicious dishes and good, unpretentious wines. Yannick’s Dad was also an Artisan Butcher. ‘Son Of a Butcher’ Red Blend is a salute to his French heritage and a “homage” to the easy-going way of life in the South-West of France. Open a bottle any day of the week and enjoy the warmth of family and friends, and the delights of an everyday meal. Pépé and Yannick’s Dad (pictured above on the label in front of the family’s butcher shop) would approve!
Specs
Blend of 30% Tannat, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma & Napa), 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 10% Petite Sirah.
Aged for 20 months in 25% new and 75% second & third fill French oak barrels.
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.70
RS: 0.04g/l
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x - 2023 Y. Rousseau. Son of a Butcher Red Blend
Case:
12x - 2023 Y. Rousseau. Son of a Butcher Red Blend
Y. Rousseau Wines is a dream that began long ago in the South-West of France and continues to grow and evolve today. Yannick Rousseau, French native, founder and winemaker, followed his heart and passion for winemaking all the way to Napa Valley where he met his Texan-born wife, Susan. The two of them bring their combined entrepreneurial savvy to embrace the ebbs and flows of running a family winery with the legacy of their racines, hospitable style, and discriminating artisanship.
Yannick’s reputation has been made not by following in anyone’s particular footsteps but rather by taking what he has learned from great mavericks and integrating it into what he discovers to be true. His history of working with grape varietals from the Southwest of France is well known. Now, he carries forward his winemaking mission still embracing Colombard, Tannat and other favored varietals and blending them to create revived, and even edge-bending wines.
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Son of a Butcher: A velvety summery delight at a juicy price.
Son of a Butcher is a perfect wine to end summer with. It’s ideal for warm August evenings, when blackberries hit peak ripeness and the final rays of summer sun still linger before descending into cooler fall nights.
The rich, silky color of this red blend foreshadows its texture, which is shockingly smooth right out of the bottle.
Balance is the word that comes to mind for this wine. Despite its summer fruit influence, I found it pleasantly dry and medium in acidity, body, and tannin.
The first smell gave way to berries and herbs, and the first sip reminded me of biting into a perfectly ripe and juicy blackberry.
Frankly, I was judgmental of this bottle before trying it. The faux parchment label with the black & white photo and “Son of a Butcher” stamp wasn’t screaming sophistication. I also learned it’s from the more playful label from Y. Rousseau Wines, but you can tell there’s craftsmanship behind it.
In fairness, it’s not the most complex wine I’ve had, but it won me over with its balance, silkiness, and flavor. At this price point, it’s a steal.
@BobbyBottles Thanks for your tasting notes.
The label was actually created from a photo taken in the early 60s. It’s my Dad on the label…in front of my grandfather’s butchery in South-West France/Gascony.
A well-rounded addition to any red lover’s wine cabinet, this blend offers a full body with medium+ acidity and some tannic structure to help balance the flavor profile.
This wine opens with rich dark berries and cherry on the nose, hinting at its flavor profile. Plush notes of baking spices and dark fruit lead the palate, while hints of violet and dried spices round out the finish.
Serving this red with grilled steak, grilled lamb, or a grilled portobello will really make this wine sing! While you can certainly enjoy it without food, I think this wine is at its best with a hearty accompaniment.
Overall, an excellent value that highlights French winemaking technique with California grapes: a unique red blend that red drinkers are sure to enjoy.
Y. Rousseau. Son of a Butcher Red Blend
2023 Y. Rousseau. Son of a Butcher Red Blend
Story
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
not for sale on winery website, $288/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Sep 14 - Tuesday, Sep 15
2023 Y. Rousseau. Son of a Butcher Red Blend
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.67/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $169.99 $14.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offer:
12/27/25 (2022)
Son of a Butcher: A velvety summery delight at a juicy price.
Son of a Butcher is a perfect wine to end summer with. It’s ideal for warm August evenings, when blackberries hit peak ripeness and the final rays of summer sun still linger before descending into cooler fall nights.
The rich, silky color of this red blend foreshadows its texture, which is shockingly smooth right out of the bottle.
Balance is the word that comes to mind for this wine. Despite its summer fruit influence, I found it pleasantly dry and medium in acidity, body, and tannin.
The first smell gave way to berries and herbs, and the first sip reminded me of biting into a perfectly ripe and juicy blackberry.
Frankly, I was judgmental of this bottle before trying it. The faux parchment label with the black & white photo and “Son of a Butcher” stamp wasn’t screaming sophistication. I also learned it’s from the more playful label from Y. Rousseau Wines, but you can tell there’s craftsmanship behind it.
In fairness, it’s not the most complex wine I’ve had, but it won me over with its balance, silkiness, and flavor. At this price point, it’s a steal.
@BobbyBottles Thanks for your tasting notes.
The label was actually created from a photo taken in the early 60s. It’s my Dad on the label…in front of my grandfather’s butchery in South-West France/Gascony.
A well-rounded addition to any red lover’s wine cabinet, this blend offers a full body with medium+ acidity and some tannic structure to help balance the flavor profile.
This wine opens with rich dark berries and cherry on the nose, hinting at its flavor profile. Plush notes of baking spices and dark fruit lead the palate, while hints of violet and dried spices round out the finish.
Serving this red with grilled steak, grilled lamb, or a grilled portobello will really make this wine sing! While you can certainly enjoy it without food, I think this wine is at its best with a hearty accompaniment.
Overall, an excellent value that highlights French winemaking technique with California grapes: a unique red blend that red drinkers are sure to enjoy.
@DevinDecanted Great description and feedback. Merci!