2022 Rodney's Vineyard Viognier

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Viognier

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Rodney’s Vineyard (Block G & K1) from the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in neutral French oak Puncheon barrels

Cooperage

Ermitage, Rousseau

Technical Data

Composition

100% Viognier

Alcohol %

13.8

Acidity

0.670 g/100mL

3.49

Harvest Brix

23.9

Harvest Date

9/15/22

Production

678 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Viognier by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. Our estate vineyard, named in memory of Fess' late son-in-law, was planted in 1989 to predominantly Rhone varietal types. The wines from this vineyard have consistently been some of the most expressive and highly acclaimed in our portfolio.

This Viognier is marked by forward peach, apricot and honeydew flavors. The palate is full and voluptuous with subtle floral, mineral and citrus notes, yet maintains beautiful balance due to bright acidity. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"Rich mango and savory almond aromas meet with sandstone earthiness on the nose of this bottling. The palate is rounded with baked apple, sea salt and mango flavors, finishing on a toasted-almond note." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...is gorgeous. Rich, layered and creamy in the glass, the 2022 offers tons of varietal character and fine balance. Apricot, white flowers, mint and spice linger nicely. The Viognier is done entirely in cask, with blocked malolactic fermentation." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Lots of orange blossom, tart apricot, and honeysuckle notes emerge from the 2022 Viognier Rodney's Vineyard, a charming, fleshy, medium-bodied Viognier fruit bomb that has the front end-loaded, charming style of the vintage while staying balanced and lively. I love it today, yet it will shine for 2-3 years." ~ Jeb Dunnuck