Vintage
Record warm weather, followed by a heat spell during June pushed vintage 2000 ahead of schedule by three weeks. Our Viognier comes from the northern part of Alexander Valley where the long hot days and warm evenings promote fully ripened and concentrated fruit flavors. An early ripener, Viognier was one of the first grapes harvested on August 24th.

Varietal
A warm weather vine, Viognier was grown for centuries in the northern Rhone region of France. Due to low productivity the varietal fell out of favor for years but was resurrected in the mid 1980's following the popularity surge of Rhone reds. Today Viognier once again enjoys major plantings in France's Condrieu and Languedoc appellations as well as the Napa Valley and Mendocino appellations in California. Viognier is typified by high color and alcohol as well as a distinct perfume of apricots, peaches and blossom.

Vinification
Viognier needs to be handled with care during the winemaking process, from start to finish. The delicate floral juice of Viognier is surrounded by an astringent skin, which can cause the wine to be bitter. We use only the free run juice to preserve the wine's beautiful delicacy. Cold barrel fermentation in older French oak barrels to maintain the delicate flavors during fermentation and five months of oak aging to add roundness and richness to the mouthfeel of the wine. 577 Cases were produced.

Tasting Notes
Lush fruit and delicately perfumed florals highlight the nose and palate. Both fresh and exotic, this Viognier shows peach and grapefruit aromas and peach pie and pink grapefruit flavors cradled in a full mouthfeel. Best with herbed or spiced grilled foods.

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