The 2024 Sarah’s Vineyard Viognier is based on this noble varietal from France’s Northern Rhone. Despite a surge in its popularity in California in the 1990’s, there is still relatively little Viognier planted in the state. We currently have about an acre of Viognier planted in Block B2 of our Dwarf Oak home vineyard at Sarah’s. For the ’24 release, hand-harvested and whole cluster pressed the Viognier fruit. Fermentation began in neutral French oak barrels. After the barrel fermentation, the wine was matured sur lie in neutral barrels for six months.
The '24 Estate Viognier displays aromas and flavors of citrus, white and orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Time in the glass offers up ripe yellow peach and lemon meringue pie with a bright, crisp finish. The balance of bright acidity and a hint of creaminess from the primarily neutral French oak barrels makes this wine a great match for Tim’s recipe for Salmon on Orzo.
Appellation: Santa Clara Valley
Vineyard: Sarah's Estate
Grower: Tim Slater
