Joseph Phelps Viognier 1997

In 1997, a year of extremes, a prolonged summer heat wave contributed to one of the warmest growing seasons on record until an unseasonable cold spell in the latter half of August all but shut down the ripening process. The growing season culminated in September, with warm temperatures causing everything to ripen at once. Harvested fruit contained the intensity of flavor we would associate with a small crop, yet the 1997 growing season yielded one of the most abundant harvests on record. Our cool climate vineyards in Carneros and Yountville weathered the temperate extremes well, and Viognier fruit ripened steadily, producing a wine with delicate notes of honeysuckle and peach. When combined with grapes from the warmer St. Helena area, the finished blend displays ripe, concentrated flavors and a crisp, clean finish. Viognier is an ideal companion with seafood, shellfish and poultry dishes.