Spring Release Wild Mountainside Viognier
2020

Winemaker’s Notes

Sadly, this will be our final vintage of Viognier as our two long-term vineyard sources have now been uprooted due to diminished productivity rendering them no longer economically viable. At one-ton-per-acre yields, it’s hard to justify continuing to dedicate valuable vineyard land to such low-cropping vines that are approaching their end days anyway. And so, we go out on a high point with our nineteenth release from this lovely vineyard—a real loyal old friend.

The wine has all the glorious shimmering fruit purity, oily intensity, and deep richness that we expect from this singular variety. It’s a wine to drink in the near term and should be served slightly chilled—cooler than our Chardonnay wines—50/55F is perfect.

Aromas and flavors of pear, white peach, and dried pineapple dominate. There’s a sense of sweetness to the aromas—lemon meringue maybe—that flickers and fades. Almondy notes and honeyed florals arrive in waves. Deep oily richness and chewy texture provide weight and intensity at the wine’s core before citrussy acidity picks up the finish. Echoing apricot and floral blossom characters linger. What a beautiful final offering! Serve at 50-55°F and drink between 2022 and 2025.

Andy Smith