Another Paso winemaker once said: “Tasting Viognier is like tasting Carmen Miranda’s headdress,” and this 70 percent Roussanne/30 percent Viognier blend exemplifies that quote. Quite forward in its array of stone fruits, honey, and citrus notes, this full-bodied wine makes you stop and take notice. It’s a great choice for main dish salads with fruit and nuts, whether the protein is poultry or shellfish, duck, pork, or smoked meats. The brand is owned by Edmond “Ed” August Sauret, who owned the Wine Vault and Hot Springs Deli in Paso from 1998 to 2003. His first vintage under his own label, it’s a nicely made wine that’s sure to impress, available at Stax in Morro Bay for $29.95 and at 15 Degrees C in Templeton for $28.
This article appears in Feb 3-10, 2011.