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.

Vintage
Things could not have started off worse this vintage; with a cold, wet spring and periodic rains during the summer, all matter of fungus and mold were alive and well. The amount of extra time we spent adjusting and readjusting canopies and mowing and re-mowing vineyard rows, cost us about 20% more than normal. Moving into harvest, just one rain could have knocked us out cold, but then a miracle! 30 plus days of perfect Indian summer. We ended up getting the grapes just the way we wanted them. Unknown to us, the grapes continued to gain weight late in the year. The extra weight slowed and lengthened the ripening process and this combined with great weather brought our grapes to perfect ripeness. The last grapes were picked on November 11, the latest ever for us in Sonoma. The last press load was December 1st and by this time, we were sick of harvest. This was one of those very rare harvests where we got it both ways—exceptional quality and excellent yields.

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 fermentation in stainless steel tank maintains the delicate flavors during fermentation. Bottled in February 2006. Alcohol 14.3%, Total Acidity, .67, pH 3.36, Residual Sugar .02%. 681 cases produced.

Tasting Notes
Viognier is an exotic wine: one with the body of Chardonnay but the flavors of Riesling and/or Muscat. It has an intense aroma of peach, pineapple, and honeysuckle, and its generous palate impression and rich flavors.

< Back