Fall Release Lia Viognier
2010

Winemaker’s Notes

Our new 2010 ‘Lia’ Viognier ranks alongside its 2005 and 2008 counterparts as our finest bottling of this exotic variety. While it doesn’t quite match these earlier wines for extract and richness, it more than compensates in the complexity department. True to the vintage, its overall character is one of great natural intensity with a deft balance between body and length, weight and focus. It’s broad and has good weight, but remains extremely lively and bright throughout. Like the greatest wines, it’s powerful and concentrated, but never heavy or ponderous. It finishes really whistle-clean with some intriguing ginger/lemongrass notes on the finish. A blend of three impeccable vineyards that span the RRV appellation from northeast to southwest, the sum of its parts is far more complex and interesting than the three alone and that’s why we opt to blend – to elevate the experience and showcase the entire district.

Pale yellow color; crisp, mineral citrus notes then deeper peach, apricot and exotic lychee richness. Sea spray freshness and lemongrass/ginger/chamomile notes add complexity. The palate follows the aromas with immediate minerality then broader quince and honeyed fruits. Notable thrust and laser-like focus to the back end and lingering lemongrass note to finish. As with all our whites, serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to allow full flavor development. Best consumed within five years of release.

Andy Smith