93 Points/Editors’ Choice - Wine Enthusiast
90 Points - KensWineGuide.com
While it is a cliché in the wine industry that Syrah doesn't sell, the fact is that all of the grapes of France's Rhone Valley have gained in acres planted and popularity since the "Rhone Rangers" first began promoting these varieties in the 1980s. Perhaps nowhere has this been more apparent than with Viognier, which was at one point virtually non-existent in California, but now boasts over 2,000 planted acres. This white grape is perfect for those that want something different than Chardonnay, but prefer a more full-bodied, richer white wine. With its unique flavor profile, Viognier can match beautifully with flavorful food, but unlike Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, has plenty of body to stand up to heavier foods. This week we are happy to offer an outstanding Viognier from Fess Parker, sourced from Santa Barbara County, where this grape is really starting to take hold.
The 2010 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Viognier is pale straw in color, with intense lemon, peach, apple, and lime aromas, along with the floral note that is so characteristic of Viognier. The palate is medium bodied, with citrus flavors joined by green apple, ginger, and even a hint of strawberry. Good acid gives the wine structure, with a spice giving way to lime on the finish. This is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairings, but would really shine with Asian food with milder chili flavors. A perfect white wine for winter, as it doesn't need to be overly chilled.
Vineyard Source: 59% Rodney’s Vineyard & 41% Camp Four Vineyard In The Santa Ynez Valley
Composition: 87% Viognier, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Marsanne
Barrel Aging: 10 Months In 70% One Year And Older French Oak, 30% Stainless Steel Fermentation
Harvest Date: September 15Th – October 29Th
Brix: 23.4 – 25.6
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol By Volume
pH: 3.39
T.A.: .639 G/100Ml
Production: 3768 Cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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