The straight 2013 Viognier Central Coast is a smoking value. Mostly from estate grapes (this is the last vintage that will include non-estate gapes) and aged 8-9 months on lees, in tank, it offers classic Alban richness and texture, with plenty of white flowers, tangerine and buttery citrus aromas and flavors emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, decadent and rich, with a blockbuster, heady finish, enjoy it over the coming couple of years.
This is another incredible lineup by Rhone superstar John Alban. For the life of me, I can’t understand why no one else in the Edna Valley tries to make wine anywhere close to this level of quality.
Tel. (805) 546-0305; www.albanvineyards.com