2005 Curtis Viognier, Vogelzang Vineyard,
Santa Ynez Valley.
This wine is an inky purple color to the rim. Light aromas
of crème fraîche yield to light vague blackberry, horse blanket
and leather aromas with time. Smoke and mocha notes come out
with time. In the mouth, light intensity, vague blackberry is
accompanied by savory and plumy notes. Medium to full bodied
with a dusty texture, this wine has a slightly astringent
mouthfeel. The acids and alcohol are nicely balanced. A
straightforward, medium duration finish of blackberry flavors
ends a bit astringent.
Production Detail:
100% clone 877 Syrah grown
at Kendall-Jackson's vineyard in Alisos Canyon, this wine was
aged for 21 months in a mixed cooperage of 30% new American and French
oak.
13.5% Alcohol
$35.00
Retail
525 cases
produced
BOTTOM LINE: Fairly
good. No flaws. Worth trying.
This syrah is very ripe, with vague fruit, but some interesting
earthy characteristics. It has appeal alone and with big read
meats. Drink now. Will last for about three more years.