Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: What are the markers of the best Viogniers? One doesn't always know because the sample size is relatively small in the vast world of wine grapes. Used as a blending grape in everyday wines (e.g., in Chardonnays to boost their aromatics) or as an essential component in Côte Rôtie, this grape variety is wonderfully versatile. The 2018 J. Wilkes Viognier gives us another look. TASTING NOTES: This charming, albeit powerful wine is an excellent New World example. Its attractive aromas and flavors of stone and core fruits stay long on the palate. Pair it with roast chicken in a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and dried chiles. (Tasted: May 6, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Mellow at first on the nose, this bottling opens up on aromas of ripe peach, pineapple and cream, with an underlying streak of wet stone. Citrus-driven acidity carries the sip, leading into more peach and tropical tones alongside a hint of macadamia nut on the finish
After a long and rewarding career as a salesman, grape grower and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, Jeff Wilkes decided to try his hand at winemaking.
He went to his long-time employer and friend, Steve Miller, with a proposal to create wines that focused on California’s Central Coast, through the lens of two of its sub-AVA’s, Santa Maria and Paso Robles Highlands.
Jeff launched his namesake label in 2001 and immediately received critical acclaim. He continued on that path until his untimely passing in 2010. Inspired by Jeff’s vision and moved by their friendship, the Miller family decided to continue the J. Wilkes label as a tribute to Jeff’s passion.
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.
