SANTA MARIA VALLEY  |  SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Our Viognier is grown at Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. This cool-climate site gives us ripe fruit while maintaining high natural acidity. Classic Viognier aromatics of honeysuckle and nectarine. Fleshy on the palate, showing peach, shiso leaf, and lemon curd. Malolactic fermentation was blocked after 50%, to maintain freshness in the wine. Finishes with a bright chalky acidity.

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck  93 points ~ Just a great example of the variety, the 2021 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard is all varietal and spent 6 months in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel. It has bright citrus and tart peach fruits to go with a medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh, yet still classic Viognier style on the palate that brings both richness and freshness. It's one of the best examples of the variety from California. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  92 points ~ The 2021 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard is gorgeous. Apricot, ginger, spice, and chamomile all grace this super expressive Viognier. The 2021 is deeply flavorful and rich, but not at all heavy. Terrific. Drinking window 2022-2026. — Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast  91 points ~ Aromas of baked lemon, light honey, and a touch of grass hit the nose on this bottling. There's a compellingly chalky grip to the palate, which is bright and tart with citrus-flesh and pith flavors making for a lively wine. — Matt Kettmann

2020 Viognier, Bien Nacido Vineyard

Jeb Dunnuck  90 Points ~ Starting with the 2020 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard, which is 100% Viognier, it has some classic varietal richness and viscosity as well as honeyed tangerine and peach fruits, some salty, mineral-like nuances, a good sense of freshness, and a clean finish. It's well made and an outstanding expression of this variety. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  91 points ~ The 2020 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Orchard fruit, lime, white flowers, and mint give the 2020 an attractive top register of brightness. This is an especially fresh, vibrant style of Viognier. Drinking window 2021-2025. — Antonio Galloni

2019 Viognier, Bien Nacido Vineyard

Jeb Dunnuck  91 points ~ The 2019 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard is beautifully done and has real Viognier character in its nectarine, peach, and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, pure, and beautifully balanced, it's a winner. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  92 points ~ The 2019 Viognier Bien Nacido Vineyard is a gorgeous wine that balances varietal character with freshness. Apricot, chamomile, mint and tangerine oil open up effortlessly. The 2019 is so inviting. Drinking window 2020-2025. — Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast  90 points ~ There's a zesty citrus edge to the rounded peach middle on the nose of this very cleanly made wine. A firm tension frames the sip, where a steel minerality cuts through the lime-peel flavors, with an acidity pumping into the finish. — Matt Kettmann