Fall Release Lia Viognier
2009

Winemaker’s Notes

In 2009 we added a third source to our Lia mix – the Dutton-Gregori Vineyard, which has long been the home for our Jack Robert’s Run Syrah. This high elevation south facing Green Valley site has added a further layer of complexity, with its luscious honeyed citrus character and oily texture – a little clearly goes a long way in the blend. With these three vineyards we now fully showcase the RRV appellation’s diversity. Hoppe-Kelly in the north east corner provides the wine’s density and fruit richness; Trenton Station in the appellation’s middle reach adds structure and length, and now DuMOL GVR Estate in the south west corner offers an exotic edge and textural richness. Viognier crop yields in 2009 were slightly elevated, so that this vintage offers a gentler, more elegant approach compared to its powerful 2008 predecessor. It will drink beautifully on release and should age for up to five years. We’ve found that it’s a great starter to an evening and can be served unaccompanied as an alternative to Champagne. We regularly serve it at the start of winemaker dinners and it always proves to be a big hit as a lead in to some fine Chardonnay.

Pale gold color; beautiful floral aromatics highlight apricot, citrus oil and honey with a chamomile, spearmint edge. Gently elegant palate with ripe peach and nectarine offset by clove and honeyed lemon notes. Gains richness with aeration, but has enough buffering acidity to maintain focus and length. As with all our whites, serve at no cooler than 52 degrees to allow full flavor development. Best consumed within five years of release.

Andy Smith