Upper Ojai, Ventura County
This wine is similar to our successful 2002. The sugar-to-acidity-to-alcohol balance is almost identical. Freezing very ripe viognier grapes from Roll Ranch and then pressing out the juice quickly – to leave behind the ice crystals – concentrates the exotic floral character of viognier. The juice yielded is so high in sugar that the yeast are unable to ferment it completely, and what’s left is a dessert wine that is intensely flavorful, low in alcohol, and high in sugar. The perfect complement to a dish of fresh summer peaches.