Winemaker Notes
The aromas show off the earthier house take on Viognier, elevating gravel dust minerality and walnuts along with pretty white flowers. As the wine reacts and warms with some air that opens up to more nectarous white fruits that finish snappy and bright, As much as its uniquely earthy disposition what's also interesting with Roll Ranch Viognier is that the fruit is uncommonly cool hued. Fennel and lime streak through the more succulent flavors, enhancing what is in many ways a super refreshing Viognier. It's versatile as can be- a great standalone aperitif, well suited to many types if cheese, and it stands up to richer curries and pork dishes nicely too.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Plenty of apple blossom, apricots, and orange blossom nuances emerge from the 2017 Viognier Roll Ranch Vineyard and it’s a medium-bodied effort that has solid texture and depth of fruit, integrated acidity, and a clean, crisp finish. It has a kiss of saltiness on the finish that’s going to make it shine on the dinner table.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Viognier Roll Ranch has a gregarious nose that opens with honey-nut and honeysuckle character, giving way to yellow peaches, beeswax, lemon meringue and crushed rock. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a rounded texture and ripe fruits, segueing to very bright, crisp acidity and finishing long and energetic. I appreciate this juxtaposition of weight and delicacy. 203 cases produced.
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.
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of red wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. California wineries range from tiny, family-owned boutiques to massive corporations, and price and production are equally varied. Plenty of inexpensive bulk wine is made in the Central Valley area, while Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive “cult” wines.
Each American Viticultural Area (AVA) and sub-AVA of has its own distinct personality, allowing California to produce red wine of every fashion: from bone dry to unctuously sweet, still to sparkling, light and fresh to rich and full-bodied. In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate vineyard acreage. Sonoma County is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Zinfandel. The Central Coast has carved out a niche with Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah, while Mendocino has found success with cool climate varieties such as Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. With all the diversity that California wine has to offer, any wine lover will find something to get excited about here.