2008 Viognier Paso Robles

Vineyard Notes

This wine was produced from a vineyard located in the Templeton Gap, on the limestone soils of west Paso Robles. The vineyard was originally palanted to Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s and later bud grafted with suitcase clones from Condrieu. In 2007, the 5-acre block of Viognier became available and we signed a long-term contract to secure our Viognier program. The vineyard is heavily influenced by the cool air that flows off the Pacific Ocean through the Templeton Gap, a depression in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The grapes' acidity is preserved by daily diurnal temperature changes of 40-50ºF. The vineyard soils are marked by well-drained calcareous soils, laden with old marine sediment and whale bone fossils. The vineyard produces grapes with intense aromatic and mineral components.

Winemaker Notes

The 2008 is 100 percent Viognier, hand harvested during a cold morning in early September. We take great care during picking to work with the grower and pickers to eliminate anything that does not reflect our quality standards. Half of the grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed and the other half were de-stemmed for 24-36 hours of skin contact. Both lots were fermented in neutral French oak barrels with native and selected yeast strains. Malo-lactic fermentation was prevented to retain the natural acidity and balance of the wine. The wine was aged sur lie for six months.

A great wine to enjoy during the summer months or during the holidays with family and friends. Enjoy through 2013.

Release Date: Fall 2009
Production: 125 Cases
Price: $32.00 Sold Out