This elegant wine offers aromas and flavors of honeydew melon, stone fruits, citrus, and spice, with floral and mineral notes. It’s elegant and much more restrained than many of its peers; winemaker Christian Roguenant describes it as “a rare cool-climate Viognier.” Farmed sustainably at Paragon Vineyard, it earned SIP certification. Roguenant recommends pairing it with rich seafood, like crab and lobster. It’s also good with seafood salad in rich dressings, and quite satisfying on its own. Available in local restaurants and at the tasting room in Edna Valley, it’s a very good buy at only $17 retail.
This article appears in Sep 16-23, 2010.