Popped and poured, regal yellow-gold flecked with amber. An initial whiff of oxidation dissipates into potent, complex aromatics of honey-lemon lozenges, almond extract, anise and violets along with an assortment of other floral notes. Fascinating stuff. Medium body, smooth and soft mouthfeel. On the palate, the fruit has mostly receded into nicely honeyed, almost doughy flavor profile...which isn't to say the fruit's gone, indeed there's more than a hint of sliced apple and apricot amidst all the honey and florals. An interesting herbaceous note seems to appear with further aeration and lingers through on the close. Perhaps what most makes this wine exceptional is acid, which not only prevents a wine of such lushness from ever feeling weighty but also adds a subtle impression of minerals, one which is generally lacking from so many other examples of this grape. Although acidity will enable this to age for much longer, it's basically in the zone for drinking right now.
Quick comment: Just a testament to what a great CA producer can do with a somewhat off the beaten path variety when it's grown in optimal, if not perfectly ideal terroir.
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Opened 2 days ago, have about 1/2 bottle left that has been sitting in the fridge. This is pretty well at this stage, with anise, tangerine, lime and a moderate plus amount of honeyed texture.
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Drank through dinner last night. Paired with traditional Sopa Azteca and then with Ahi Tartare on a bed of diced avocado. Fairly consistent with my last note from October 2011, although this is my 6th bottle and I will say this one really showed the best of all. This isn't to say I didn't like the previous bottles but I am intending to convey that the further age of the wine is adding to the experience, making it even better. Lime, mandarin orange, orange oil, anise, honey in the texture and lively acidity. Ageworthy? I'd say yes, given the acidity, so drink now through I would offer 2016.
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Popped and poured. Medium-light yellow gold hue. Immediately upon pouring, complex aromas simply leap out of the glass and show as notes of orange blossom, lemon zest, peach slices, fresh vanilla bean, anise, and subtle spice with perhaps just a touch of heat. Lifted florals and mineral notes develop with further aeration. Medium-light body with nice concentration. On the palate, the upfront fruit flavors are almost wickedly intense and cover the gamut of stone fruits along with more than just foray into tropical territory, all of which is complimented by a note of grain (wheat, perhaps) and an impression of minerals. The acidity is pronounced and almost biting, no doubt...but with a variety like Viognier, it works in congruence with bold fruit and lush mouthfeel to heighten the overall impression. All-in all, just singing at present. Open one up if you have 'em!
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5/4/2019 - brigcampbell wrote:
10 years old and not a bit of age showing. Brilliant structure for a white, this might last another 30 years. Paired with Thai, good call.
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9/11/2015 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured, regal yellow-gold flecked with amber. An initial whiff of oxidation dissipates into potent, complex aromatics of honey-lemon lozenges, almond extract, anise and violets along with an assortment of other floral notes. Fascinating stuff. Medium body, smooth and soft mouthfeel. On the palate, the fruit has mostly receded into nicely honeyed, almost doughy flavor profile...which isn't to say the fruit's gone, indeed there's more than a hint of sliced apple and apricot amidst all the honey and florals. An interesting herbaceous note seems to appear with further aeration and lingers through on the close. Perhaps what most makes this wine exceptional is acid, which not only prevents a wine of such lushness from ever feeling weighty but also adds a subtle impression of minerals, one which is generally lacking from so many other examples of this grape.
Although acidity will enable this to age for much longer, it's basically in the zone for drinking right now.
Quick comment: Just a testament to what a great CA producer can do with a somewhat off the beaten path variety when it's grown in optimal, if not perfectly ideal terroir.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/28/2013 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Opened 2 days ago, have about 1/2 bottle left that has been sitting in the fridge. This is pretty well at this stage, with anise, tangerine, lime and a moderate plus amount of honeyed texture.
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8/16/2012 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Drank through dinner last night. Paired with traditional Sopa Azteca and then with Ahi Tartare on a bed of diced avocado. Fairly consistent with my last note from October 2011, although this is my 6th bottle and I will say this one really showed the best of all. This isn't to say I didn't like the previous bottles but I am intending to convey that the further age of the wine is adding to the experience, making it even better. Lime, mandarin orange, orange oil, anise, honey in the texture and lively acidity. Ageworthy? I'd say yes, given the acidity, so drink now through I would offer 2016.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2012 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Medium-light yellow gold hue. Immediately upon pouring, complex aromas simply leap out of the glass and show as notes of orange blossom, lemon zest, peach slices, fresh vanilla bean, anise, and subtle spice with perhaps just a touch of heat. Lifted florals and mineral notes develop with further aeration. Medium-light body with nice concentration. On the palate, the upfront fruit flavors are almost wickedly intense and cover the gamut of stone fruits along with more than just foray into tropical territory, all of which is complimented by a note of grain (wheat, perhaps) and an impression of minerals. The acidity is pronounced and almost biting, no doubt...but with a variety like Viognier, it works in congruence with bold fruit and lush mouthfeel to heighten the overall impression.
All-in all, just singing at present. Open one up if you have 'em!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment