Nose
The cool climate and long growing season of the Russian River are well suited to Viognier. The slow ripening of the fruit results in a powerfully heady bouquet backed by wonderful acidity.
Palate
Our 2010 Viognier is lush and exotic with notes of peaches, honeysuckle, apricots and a touch of honey.
Growing Conditions
Viognier made its debut with great fanfare in California more than two decades ago. A handful of winemakers proclaimed this nearly extinct grape (only 30 acres were remaining in 1965) had the potential to do grand things in the Golden State. Turns out they were right. Our 2010 Viognier is made entirely with fruit from Saralee’s Vineyard located in the cool Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. We have been making Viognier with grapes from this vineyard for 20 years and the wines continue to excel and excite. Through careful nurturing, this cool-climate vineyard yields Viognier of incredible flavor and fruit concentration. Given the high quality of the grapes, Arrowood ’s winemaking objective is simply to highlight the Viognier ’s fruit-driven personality and expansive flavor.
Aging
Aged in 100% seasoned French oak barrels for 7 months.
