Eberle Mill Road Vineyard Viognier

2016 VIOGNIER ‘MILL ROAD VINEYARD’ Rainfall was ample during the winter with bud break taking place at its normal time in early spring. Going into summer the clusters on the vine were uniform and the canopies were developing nicely readying to protect the fruit from the hot summer sun. Harvest started in late August with the white varietals coming in first and continued from there at a smooth and steady pace. Perfect weather throughout the rest of the season allowed for lengthy hang times on the vine bringing the fruit into its perfect physiological ripeness – essential for developing complex flavors and good color extraction. The 2016 harvest resulted in some of the best fruit we have seen in the winery’s 37-year history – it brings the promise of an excellent vintage FERMENTATION The Viognier fruit was picked early in the cool morning air and immediately delivered to the winery. The fruit was sorted and destemmed then transferred to the press to cold soak for six hours before p