Our own vineyard, Louise Vineyard. The gentle slope at the bottom of the vineyard contains clay silt brought by the Missoula flood, which gives it good water retention and thick fruit. 90% barrel fermentation and aging, 10% concrete egg fermentation and aging. Straw-colored, full of fruit flavors and characteristic floral aromas that are a good representation of the Viognier variety. A wine with notes of orange peel, honeysuckle, and white pepper, with flavors of white peach and ripe apple.
Christom winemaker Steve Donner, who has experience producing Viognier in Calera, California, was a pioneer in the Willamette Valley, planting his own vineyards in 1993 and continuing to produce the wine since his first release in 1996.
Vintage Information
2021 was a very dry year throughout the year, but rain during flowering affected pollination, resulting in small clusters and low yields, but the fruit was concentrated, making this a vintage that produced grapes of the highest quality in the last 10 years.
Although it was a dry year, a little rain in July midway through was a big help to the young vines and to the older vines in the rocky vineyards with little topsoil.
There were several hot days in August, but thanks to the efforts of the cultivation team, no major damage was caused, and the cool weather that followed from August to September allowed the grapes to ripen sufficiently, resulting in well-balanced grapes that did not lose their acidity.
Technical information
Winemaking method: Fermented and aged on the lees for 6 months in 90% multi-year barrels and 10% concrete eggs.
No malolactic fermentation is performed. A blend of barrels and concrete eggs gives this wine a delicate acidity, a voluminous mouthfeel, and a well-balanced full-bodied flavor.
Tasting Comments
A pure aroma and flavor that is a model of Viognier. Aromas of white and orange flowers, clover, anise and white peach. Tastes of apricot and lychee with a viscous mouthfeel. Clean acidity balances with the fullness derived from the fruit.
Field Information
The Viognier plot remains the same as before, but starting with the 2020 vintage, this plot will also be called the Lewis Vineyard and have been given a vineyard name.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Viognier
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: Oregon
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills
Vineyard: Louise Vineyard
Winemaker: Steve Doerner
Vinification: Fermented and aged on the lees for 6 months in 90% multi-year barrels and 10% concrete eggs.
Aging: Same as above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.5%
JAN: 851573001174