Nose
Exotic aromas of tropical flowers, white peach, guava, lychee and orange zest leap from the glass, with additional hints of clove and vanilla bean adding depth and nuance.
Palate
On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon and honeydew melon are underscored by lovely minerality and a silky, mouthcoating texture. The finish is long and satisfying with lingering notes of tropical spice.
Growing Conditions
Cold Creek’s rock and gravel soils are ideal for Viognier, as are the cooling sea breezes off the San Pablo Bay that lengthen the growing season and ensure abundant hangtime to fully ripen the grapes.
Harvest
For the third year in a row, Mother Nature provided exceptional growing conditions. In fact, 2012, 2013 and 2014 may be the finest run of growing seasons we have seen in our quarter century of Sonoma County winemaking. 2014 offered lovely temperate, mid-season weather that was ideal for our early ripening varieties. With no threat of rain or significant heat events, our fruit was harvested at an unhurried pace in pristine condition. Overall, our yields were down slightly from 2013, resulting in beautiful overall depth and concentration in both our Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Aging
To underscore this wine’s rich texture and lush tropical fruit, it was 100% barrel fermented, and aged for eight months in neutral French oak.
