2011 Kongsgaard Viorous
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Note di degustazione
(a 70/30 blend of roussanne and viognier, entirely from Stonecrest Vineyard in Coombsville, which has more roussanne than viognier; this wine used to include 25% Hudson Vineyard viognier; just one barrel made, vs. a normal three): Medium straw-yellow. Aromas of peach syrup, cyanic peach pit, minerals and forest floor. Very dry and penetrating in the mouth, with intense fruit pit and mineral flavors dominating. In a very understated style, less perfumed than previous vintages. Does not convey the early sex appeal or pliancy of the earlier vintages with higher viognier content, but this is minerally, serious, noble white wine. All of this fruit was harvested after the mid-October rains, noted Kongsgaard. (This is the only wine here that gets just one year in barrel.)
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Punteggio medio
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
Altre recensioni e punteggi
Kongsgaard's 2011 Viognier/Roussane blend Viorous is stunning. In this vintage, the Roussanne dominates, because during flowering decimated yields for the Viognier. The wine? It is drop dead gorgeous. A racy, perfumed white, the Viorous offers up a compelling array of juicy pears, white peaches, earthiness and mint. Intense saline notes support the textured, beautiful finish in this dazzling white.
Kongsgaard’s 2011 Viognier/Roussane blend Viorous is stunning. In this vintage, the Roussanne dominates, because frost during flowering decimated yields for the Viognier. The wine? It is drop dead gorgeous. A racy, perfumed white, the Viorous offers up a compelling array of juicy pears, white peaches, earthiness and mint. Intense saline notes support the textured, beautiful finish in this dazzling white. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. These wines from John Kongsgaard were among the highlights from the month I spent in Napa Valley this year. The overall quality level here is absolutely remarkable. It is rare to see someone who is so brilliant with so many grape varieties, but Kongsgaard seems to have the magic touch. The Chardonnays remain among the most exquisite in California. Kongsgaard favors longer elevage for his Chardonnays and is generally willing to take greater risks than most of his colleagues. No guts, no glory, as the saying goes. Well, there is plenty of glory here. Fax (707) 226-2936
One of the top Rhône whites coming out of California, Kongsgaard’s 2011 Viorous is blend of equal parts Roussanne and Viognier that was brought up all in neutral barrels. A rainstorm in June reduced yields dramatically for this cuvee, and there is a scant 20 cases (1 barrel) to go around. It offers a brilliant, lively bouquet of white peaches, citrus, green herbs, and hints of flowers to go with a medium to full-bodied, incredibly classy, and pure palate feel. Showing additional richness, depth and length on the finish, with a touch of hazelnut and crème emerging with air, it possesses more than a passing resemblance to Beaucastel’s old vine Roussanne Cuvée. Perfectly balanced, rich, and elegant, it is superb on all accounts. Enjoy it over the coming decade.