Jade Mountain Napa Valley Viognier 2005

Our Viognier captures all the qualities that have made this grape variety prized for centuries in its native Rhone Valley. The aromas are perfumed with gardenia, honeydew melon, apricot and peach. The bright fruit character carries through in the opulent, beautifully balanced flavors, and then lingers on the finish. Most remarkable is the rich, silky texture of Viognier. It has a natural lushness on the palate that we have emphasized by barrel-fermenting and aging the wine in neutral, four-year-old French oak barrels. We gently stirred the yeast lees during the ten months of aging to contribute roundness and complexity, without pronounced oak character that would distract from the focused fruit expression. Lightly chill our Viognier and enjoy simply with creamy white cheeses and fresh fruit. Or match it with delicate crab cakes, grilled or smoked trout, pork roasted with rosemary or chicken salad with fresh pineapple, mango and macadamia nuts.

"Tastes sweet beyond ripeness, with a complex range of juicy apple, pear and mango flavors that are rich and mouthcoating."
-Wine Spectator