Stephen Brook: Muted nose, but it shows not only Viognier typicity but some welcome restraint. There’s exotic fruit and a dusting of talc and a light floral tone. Rich and textured but also quite boldly flavored and very concentrated. This has spice and power, and the alcohol is just about in check. Underlying acidity gives the wine balance, and this is unusually successful for California Viognier. Could well be from the higher elevations of Paso Robles. Wherever it’s from, it has vigor and quite good length. 17.5

Alison Buchanan: Gold in color, this presents a very assertive nose, a blend of orchard and stone fruit, with hints of fennel herb and licorice, echoed on the palate. The palate is rather luscious, well-handled, and fresh, bright, leesy fruit complemented by decent, wellintegrated acidity. Stylistically, there is a rather odd potpourri of aromatics, and it is difficult to pin anything down. Despite an intermittent whiff of Uhu glue on the palate, it works overall. 16.5

Anthony Rose: Pale gold in color, this appears to be California meets Condrieu in style, showing distinctive Viognier-like peachy qualities, with fruit freshness and opulence on the mid-palate but rather lacking overall in balance, with excessive alcohol and slightly forced acidity for the weight of fruit14