2010 Peay Viognier Estate Sonoma Coast

Peay’s 2010 Viognier Estate is strikingly beautiful. A wine that reflects site more than variety, the 2010 is focused, vibrant and impeccably beautiful from start to finish. Sweet floral and peach notes come to life in the glass, but the style is very much restrained and polished. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. Vintage 2010 wasn’t kind to Peay, as yields were down a full 50%. Then again, that is not unusual for extreme coastal sites that require heroic viticulture and relentless commitment to quality, exactly the values the Peay family embodies. Andy Peay told me 2010 required considerable sorting because of brutally cold weather. The late season heat spikes were less of an issue as most of the vines were in veraison at the time. Readers should note that the Peay Pinots aren’t vineyard designates, but rather are crafted to have specific signatures. The 2010s were made from fully de-stemmed fruit. Tel. (707) 894-8720

Pale, green-tinged straw. Complex, fragrant bouquet evokes melon, nectarine, honey and violet, with slow-mounting spiciness. Sappy, silky, palate-staining pit fruit and candied ginger flavors are complicated by honeysuckle and anise notes. Finishes tangy and very long, with resonating ginger and floral qualities.