2021 Viognier

*Gold, 2024 Orange County Wine Society OC Fair

TASTING NOTES
The 2021 Viognier from the Brick Barn estate offers an inviting nose with vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, pear, green apple, and a hint of sea breeze. The palate strikes a perfect balance of richness and freshness, with flavors of apricot, tangerine, honeycomb, and baked apple spice, all framed by notes of citrus and wet stone. The wine’s weighty yet elegant mouthfeel is complemented by a clean, energetic finish, making it a standout vintage that truly expresses the bright, coastal character of the Santa Ynez Valley.

FOOD PAIRINGS
The versatility of the 2021 Viognier pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, including:
*Grilled chicken, where the wine’s freshness complements the smoky flavors
*Bánh mì, with the wine’s bright acidity cutting through the richness of the sandwich
*Seared scallops, highlighting the wine’s crispness and round texture
*Fruit and cheese plates, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and creaminess

WINEMAKING
The 2021 Viognier was crafted with a focus on expressing the grape’s delicate character. Harvested at night on September 21, the fruit was gently pressed and cold settled for seven days before fermentation. Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi cold fermented the juice in stainless steel tanks using Aroma White yeast to enhance the wine’s bright fruit and floral notes. The wine was then cold aged for eight months in stainless steel to preserve its freshness, with a small portion aged in a European acacia barrel to impart subtle roundness and a honeycomb character. The result is a crisp, vibrant Viognier with excellent balance and expressive flavors.