August 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2004 Clautiere Vineyard Estate Viognier, Paso Robles.
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This wine has a deep golden yellow color. On the nose are rich aromas of honeydew melon, apricot and floral notes. On entry, there are predominant flavors of apricot and orange blossoms. It is dry on the mid palate with a viscous, creamy mouthfeel without spice notes common in this Rhône varietal. These continue to a finish of honeydew accented by notes of lime and an Old World minerality. |
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RWB Score: 87 breakdown 13.3% Alcohol $23.00 Retail (from winery); 422 cases produced |
This dry, modest acidity Viognier is at its best when well chilled. Overall this offering displays the commonly occurring proportion of high sugars and lower acids. This wine will appeal to those who gravitate towards Old World whites and California Chardonnays. Definitely a good summer wine or as pairing to seafood or spicy Asian dishes. |
More Clautiere reviews
Detail
A few decades ago, this varietal seemed on the verge of extinction but demand has spurred a revival. Californian Viogniers may take on a particular dry Riesling-like quality and that is the case here.
Clautiere has four acres of Viognier divided equally between two clones: 1 and 642. The two clones here were fermented separately and aged in 30% new French oak barrels after blending. Clone 1 is typically selected for its high vigor and yield since Viognier is early to bloom, set fruit and ripen, and as such is susceptible to early spring frosts. Clone 642 is an aromatic French clone.
Clautiere Winery follows the motto: "Live the best life you can". A husband and wife team, Claudine Blackwell and Terry Brady transitioned from the restaurant business in Los Angeles and began making wines autonomously in 2000. Their original vineyards were planted in the late 1980s to Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, they have expanded their plantings, adding more Syrah clones as well as Grenache, Viognier and Counoise. They currently have 57 acres under vine.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
3 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Minerality/Astringency |
3 points |
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Acidity |
3 points |
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Alcohol |
5 points |
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Aging potential |
1 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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