1998 Viognier
1998 was a tough year for Viognier growers. Viognier can be pretty uncooperative at bloom and set if the weather isn't just right, and the weather in most Viognier vineyards in California last year at bloom and set was just wrong. We'd gotten some grapes from John Alban's Estate Vineyard in '97 that made tremendous wine, but in '98 John had next to nothing for his own wine, let alone grapes to sell. And Viognier at Durell Vineyard, which had been planted for me in 1994, produced all of 1/2 ton of grapes on two acres in '98. (After which, the new owner decided to graft the vines over to Pinot Noir.) We were able to find some fruit from a Hopland grower that made a nice wine, and we blended in the Viognier from Durell and from Fenaughty Vineyard in Placerville. I think the result is quite pleasing. Great with smoked mussels, figs and prosciutto and goat cheese. Pale yellow, suggestion of green. Bright Floral notes in smell: lime blossom, broom flower, quince. A minerally note, too. Broad on the palate, some toastiness, fat. Finish clean, spicy. Suggested retail: $16.00 |
Ripening fruit at Fenaughty Vineyard |
