Wild Horse Viognier 2006
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Wild Horse 2006 Viognier captures the aromatic charm and richness of this varietal. Grapes for this bottling came from Wild Horse's estate vineyard, and the venerable Caleri vineyard in the Cienega Valley of San Benito County. The two vineyards come together to produce a wine with floral aromas of citrus and honeysuckle blossom, followed by flavors of ripe apricot, nectarine, and allspice with a flinty, mineral finish.
Of the two vineyards, the Wild Horse estate lends the elegant floral tones, while the Caleri vineyard conjures spice and minerality. The barrel ferment adds the richness to the mouthfeel, while adding a hint of vanilla on the lingering finish.
Serve well-chilled as an aperitif, or enjoy as an accompaniment to seafood bisques, barbequed shrimp and fusion cuisine.
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2004-
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Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.