2008 Viognier

Catie's Corner Vineyard
Russian River Valley

Like our 2007, the 2008 Viognier was produced from grapes grown at Catie’s Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, a vineyard developed by Saralee Kunde. Catie is Saralee’s 15 year old daughter. The size of the crop this year was significantly below normal as a result of a Spring frost. Temperate Summer weather and a good growing season produced fruit of intense flavors which resulted in a more complex, fuller bodied wine still with a balanced mouth feel.

The grapes were whole berry pressed and then fermented in a stainless steel tank at low temperature (below 65F) to preserve the varietal’s aromas. Malolactic fermentation was not encouraged in order to retain the freshness of the fruit. The wine was aged in the tank on the fine lees to build a rich mouth feel and crisp finish.

The 2008 Viognier has a traditional, complex nose of apricot, peach, pear, citrus blossom and wild flowers. The mouth feel is harmoniously balanced between the richness of the “stone fruits” on the pallet and lively acidity. The finish is marked by long lasting flavors reflecting the fruity and floral aromas.

Viognier (V-Own-Yeah) is an enjoyable white wine whose grapes have their origin in the Rhone Valley appellations of Condrieu and Chateau Grillet. Viognier is also frequently co-fermented or blended with Syrah to add other fruit characteristics to the wine. Food friendly, Viognier pairs well with fish, spicy foods, Asian infusions, crab and lobster, rice pudding or just drink it as an aperitif. Serve slightly chilled to enhance the fruit characteristics of the wine. Drink by 2011 to enjoy this fruit forward wine.
 

Harvested September 27, 2008
Released October 2009
pH 3.41 at bottling
235 cases produced

Awards

• Gold Medal– Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, April 2010

2007 Vintage

• Double Gold—Tasters Guild International, May 2008 (only double Gold)
• Gold Medal—Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2009
• Silver Medal—San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2008

2006 Vintage

• Double Gold—Tasters Guild International, May 2008 (only double Gold)
• Silver Medal—San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2008

2003 Vintage

• Gold Medal—Jerry Mead's New World Wine Competition, February 2005
• Silver Medal—North of the Gate Wine Competition, April 2005
• Silver Medal—Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, March 2005

2002 Vintage

• Best of Class and Gold Medal—Press Democrat North of the Gate Wine Competition, April 2004
• Gold Medal—Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2003
• Silver Medal—San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2004
• Silver Medal—Florida State Fair Wine Competition, February 2004
• Silver Medal—Grand Harvest Awards, February 2004

2001 Vintage

• Silver Medal—San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, February 2003
• Silver Medal—Grand Harvest Awards, February 2003
• Silver Medal—Long Beach Grand Cru, June 2003