2017 Estate Viognier - Zotovich Vineyards & Winery

Gooey passionfruit, island hibiscus, sliced papaya. Peach puree, sweet banana leaf, pineapple juice. Candied ginger and coconut oil, fragrant honeysuckle and plumeria. Intensely aromatic guava and pitaya meld with lemon confit and tropical flowers in a decadently perfumed display while honey drizzle meets lanolin in a melange of oily richness. River stone minerality and substantial phenolic grip arrive soon after adding bite to contrast plush and round initial textural impressions. Serious and substantial in nature with impressive energy and focus despite its obvious lusciousness. Dry and full bodied on the palate with medium acidity; nicely balanced while expressing wonderful juicy freshness. This 2017 Estate Viogner by Zotovich Vineyards & Winery is an impressive cool climate Rhone white from the Santa Rita Hills.

While often thought of in California as a moderate to warm climate grape, Viognier has proven to thrive in the long and cool growing season of coastal Santa Barbara County. This bottling, crafted by Zotovich Vineyards & Winery using Viognier sourced from their estate vineyard in Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills, showcases the unique character only possible when this variety is grown at its absolute limits. Although still quite round and aromatically lifted as one might expect Viognier to be this wine possesses a distinct sense of tension often missing in wines from warmer regions. Its mineral undercurrent and almost tannic grip add additional dimension and drive to an attack already erupting with expressive fruit and floral character. This is a really interesting and well executed offering made from a vineyard primarily known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.