2015 Cristom Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Viognier

14.0% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.58, RS 2.4 g/L, 674 cases, $30 1.25 acres planted on the estate in 1993 by Paul Gerrie, based on the success Cristom’s winemaker, Steve Doerner, had in California at Calera with this varietal. This 1993 planting was a pioneering first for the Willamette Valley as was the first estate release in 1996. The original vines are planted at high density of 2,311 vines per acre in Columbia River basalt soils. Between 2003 and 2010, Cristom planted and grafted just over 2.5 acres of young Viognier vines making the total block 3.744 acres. Fermented in a combination of neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel drums with 2/3 of the barrels fermented with native yeasts. partial malolactic fermentation, aged on its lees in barrel after partial malolactic fermentation for 9 months. Minimal effective additions of sulfur. Lightly fined and filtered. · Very light platinum color in the glass. Inviting aromas of jasmine and other white flowers, pear, peach and tropical fruits. Delicious flavors of pear, apricot and pastry cream, with a hint of tropical fruit and nuts. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with impeccable balance, finishing with a lingering and refreshing presence. One of the New World’s best examples of Viognier. Score: 93. Reviewed February 1, 2017

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Wines