Viognier is a French white wine grape that is the only variety allowed for the wine Condrieu, which is produced in the French Rhone Valley. It is unsure where the variety originated, however, the grape is said to be an ancient variety that may have come from Croatia. Legends say that the Romans brought the variety to France, or may have brought the variety on a ship headed for France when it was captured near Condrieu. Researchers are also unsure where the name Viognier came from, but the closest comparison points to the city of Vienne, which was an outpost of the Roman Empire. The grape was widely grown but now it is a seldom planted variety that is grown mostly in northern Rhone. Viognier almost went extinct in 1965 when there were less than 10 acres of the vines planted in France. Today, Rhone has almost 800 acres of the variety available. The grape may be hard to grow because it is susceptible to mildew, can only be harvest when completely ripe, and the vines do not produce a predictable number of grapes. The wine is to be consumed while young because it loses its aromatic flavor as it grows in age. Viognier wines tend to be very flavorful and contain powerful fruit aromas, and pairs well with spicy foods.
No products found
The unique volcanic soil composition of this site is exhibited in this Cabernet’s mineral texture and intensely structured palate. This latest release from the exceptional 2018 vintage presents a deep purple rim surrounding an opaque garnet core with an abundance of aromas emerging from bakers’ chocolate and dark cherry to crème de cassis to tapenade. Both graceful and bold on the palate, the broad tannins are balanced by pulsing acidity that brings tension and freshness throughout. Notes of boysenberry are interspersed with accents of sweet thyme against a backdrop of crush rock minerality, adding to the long finish and layers of complexity.
I feel this wine expresses the greatness of California and its hidden pockets where Cabernet can excel. The cold Pacific Ocean running the entire length of the state presents maritime influences – and with each small distance eastward the climate warms. Stony soils, south facing slopes and moderately warm conditions are the keys to producing dark, rich and good tasting Cabernet.
A small release from Caymus Vineyards, this wine is a California-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon – supple, dark and rich, bearing the signature hallmarks of Caymus. It is sourced from sites throughout the state which feature climatic conditions, soils and topography that are ideally suited to Cabernet. This project stems from excitement over California's diverse vineyard land, often in lesser-known areas, with the potential to produce exceptional Cabernet.