2017 Viognier Lia

The 2017 Viognier Wild Mountainside was barrel fermented and aged 11 months on the lees in 20% new oak hogsheads. It has an explosive nose of peach cobbler, honeysuckle, elderflower, musk melon, pineapple and nectarine with hints of candle smoke, wet stone and paraffin. Medium to full-bodied, it's broad and oily in the mouth with a very intense, very perfumed fruit core, lifted by juicy acidity and finishing long and textured. This tends toward a more overt expression of the grape but is well balanced. 250 cases were made.

The 2017 Viognier Wild Mountainside comes from three separate vineyards. It has its malolactic fermentation blocked and spends 11 months in barrel followed by three months in stainless steel. I’d put this up against the top examples of Viognier out there (Condrieu included). It has loads of apricot, white peach, exotic flowers, and spice in a medium to full-bodied, powerful, opulent package. Despite plenty of classic Viognier richness, it stays vibrant and pure, with good acidity. It’s terrific.