September 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2005 Koehler Viognier, Santa Ynez Valley.
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This is a nicely straw-colored Viognier. The nose displays honey, melon and peach with floral notes of jasmine. The palate is straightforward and creamy with honey and white peach followed by a citrus note. No spice is noted. The moderate medium finish is bright with white peach and notes of citrus peel. Medium minerality appropriate for this varietal is present. Pleasant acidity comes through. |
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RWB Score: 89 breakdown 14.0% Alcohol $22.00 Retail (from winery); 600 cases produced. |
The 2005 Koehler Viognier is an unassuming lighter to medium bodied wine with moderate fruit expression and medium minerality. Refreshing, crisp and elegantly fruity with floral notes. Don't over-chill this wine and pair it with salmon, fish, sushi and meatless pasta dishes. |
More Koehler reviews
Detail
Coming from Koehler's 2 acre estate block of Viognier, 50% of this wine was stainless steel fermented and 50% was barrel fermented. The blend was aged in oak (80% 1 to 3 year-old, 20% new) for 6 months. This is one of the first offerings from Koehler's new winemaker, Chris Stanton. See our feature on Chris in next month's issue of The Buzz.
The generally cool 2005 year saw an increase in crops over the preceding years. The vintage is being compared to the acclaimed 1997. The long, cool and even growing season resulted in fruit with good extraction but lower sugar levels. The slow ripening of the fruit is reflected in the elegance and balance of this Viognier.
Koehler Winery evolved from a 1997 purchase of a property with vines up to 30 years old. At that time, all fruit grown was being sold to other producers. The vision of Kory and Peter Koehler, owners, was to make premium wines at affordable prices. The current line up of wines is very solid with a number of stars. Beginning with the 2005 vintage, they will release wines made by their new winemaker, Chris Stanton. With Chris's track record at Mayo Family Winery, Koehler is a winery to watch.
The Koehler property is in the Santa Ynez Valley appellation. 67 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier. Under Chris Stanton's oversight, the winery will be making all estate wines, focusing on Rhône varietals with a total annual production approaching 10,000 cases.
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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 |
3 points |
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Astringency/Minerality |
5 points |
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Acidity |
5 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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