Viognier grows on our vineyard in two distinct sites, each of which imparts unique characters to this wine. Viognier grows vigorously in our terroir and its meandering and soft shoots require constant training in order to form a canopy with the ideal balance between shade and sun.
Our Viognier vineyards are mulched with citrus chips to return as much organic material as possible into the soil and create a healthy sub-surface ecosystem.
We pick Viognier very slightly early, to retain the wine’s freshness and to prevent the grape’s effusive floral aromas from overpowering the quiet strength of the wine.
Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is cooled to 5° Celsius overnight. Bunches are sorted whole and pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle. Primary fermentation occurs in 300 liter French oak barrels using wild yeast populations. The wine is kept on the lees for 9 months before bottling and stirred frequently to add weight and richness.
This Viognier has bright, explosive, floral aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom. The primary fruit expression is peach and pear, with a hint of straw. The lengthy, dry finish reveals a bit of spice and dried herbs. This wine is ready to be enjoyed now and can be cellared through at least 2019.
