Santa Maria Valley

We haven’t bottled a straight viognier for a number of years, but this one had so much merit we couldn’t resist. In 2004 the vineyard had a virtual crop failure with a harvest of one half ton per acre, and this produced an intense viognier that has a terrific mineral-y finish. This wine has the usual exotic aromas that one expects, and the aromas follow with fat, mouth-filling flavors. What is different is the great refreshing acidity and mineral-y-ness in the finish to balance the richness. Our best ever effort with this flowery varietal, and one that will age quite well.

Blend: 100% Viognier | Alcohol: 14.0% | Vinification: 100% Neutral French Oak | Barrel Aging: 7 Months

Press Reviews

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The finest Viognier Ojai has yet produced is the 2004 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard. Yields were a minuscule .5 tons of fruit per acre, which no doubt accounts for the extraordinary concentration, the greenish hue to the light straw color, and the wonderful minerality this wine possesses. It exhibits all the Viognier hallmark characteristics of peach jam, apricots, and honeysuckle along with loads of minerality, definition, and a nobility that is rare in California Viognier.” – RP 92 Points