The 2018 Viognier is our seventh bottling of the Rhone's best-known white grape. The Viognier grape, known more from the northern Rhone than the area around Chateauneuf du Pape, thrives in cooler years like 2018.
The 2018 Viognier shows an immensely appealing nose of white peach and jasmine, lifted by notes of white pepper and kiwi. On the palate, rich but notably fresh for a California Viognier, with tangy flavors of peach syrup, key lime, and cream soda, rich texture, and a bright, pithy stone fruit pit note on the finish. Drink in the next five years.
Vinous - 92 Points
"Pale green-tinged yellow. A deeply perfumed nose displays pit fruit nectar, pear, honey, violet and fennel qualities. Silky and plush on the palate but energetic as well; a spine of juicy acidity supports gently sweet orchard and pit fruit flavors. Picks up a refreshingly bitter citrus pith nuance with air and closes with solid punch, building spiciness and strong persistence."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90-92 points
"A barrel sample, the 2018 Viognier gives up lychee, musk melon, white pepper and lemongrass on the nose, with oodles of honeysuckle perfume, crushed stone, white peach and warm citrus layers. Medium to full-bodied, it’s broad in the mouth with good freshness, finishing long with textbook Viognier bitterness. 375 cases are expected to be made."