Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2021 Viognier (100% Viognier) sports a vivid gold hue as well as some classic varietal notes of honeyed orange, flowers, and ripe peach. Forward, medium-bodied, and balanced, it's going to be a delicious as well as versatile white to drink over the coming couple of years. Barrel Sample: 89-91
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Wine Enthusiast
Delicate aromas of honey, pear, almond and white flower make for a floral-leaning nose on this bottling. There are peach and tropical flower flavors on the palate, but in a reserved, tense way.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.