This is our tenth vintage of Viognier, and like all previous Viogniers crafted by m2, this one was grown in Perry Creek Vineyard in the Fair Play appellation of El Dorado County.
“Viognier” is a difficult word to pronounce, and probably why a lot of people are unfamiliar with this wine. Viognier is a major white wine grape in the Rhone region of France and, unfortunately, is still relatively rare in California.
This vintage is particularly lush and velvety, almost luxurious on the tongue. Lychee, peaches, pears, apricots, aromas of flowers and citrus - this wine reminds us of all of the above. It is properly crisp, fresh and bright, and it also happens to be delicious!
The 2017 growing season was difficult and weird in some grape growing regions in California. These grapes, however, did not suffer from weather conditions and ripened properly and almost perfectly. Harvest was one week later than in 2016, and that little bit of extended time on the vine added depth and flavor to this wine.
The wine was fermented in stainless steel at a low temperature to maximize the fruity aromas and flavors. No oak and no barrels were used.
VINEYARD
• Planted: ca. 1980
• Elevation: 2,300’
• Trellis: Quadrilateral Geneva Double-Curtain
• Soil profile: Holland Coarse Sandy Loam
• Irrigation: As needed via drip emitters
HARVEST
• September 8, 2017
FERMENTATION & ELEVAGE
• 100% stainless steel, whole-berry press, 10 days
post-press settling, 45 days fermentation period with
X16 yeast. No oak.
• Spontaneous partial fermentation
• 14.5% ABV – pH 3.4 – TA 6.8 g/L – RS 0.2 g/L
BOTTLED
• January 6, 2018
340 CASES PRODUCED
If you liked the 2016 Viognier, you're going to LOVE this! The 2017 vintage is a luxurious, silky white wine, redolent of honey on the nose and palate, with nuances of apple, peach and citrus notes. It manages to be both refreshing and full-bodied, bright and slightly creamy.
