This is one of the most elegant, refreshing Paso Robles Viogniers I’ve had in quite a while. It’s grown on the estate’s highest point in Huerhuero Vineyard in the Templeton Gap where cool Pacific breezes moderate the high daytime temperatures. Fermented in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels to retain the variety’s natural fruit flavors, it offers subtle, delightful notes of stone-fruit, orange blossom, honey, spice, and zingy lime notes. It’s full bodied but not heavy and as friendly on its own for sipping (during one of Vina Roble’s concerts) as it is versatile with food. A great choice for chicken and fruit salads, shrimp Louis, fish tacos, or duck confit. Available at the Hwy. 46 East tasting room, it’s a very good buy at $22 retail.
This article appears in Aug 15-22, 2013.