2021 Clif Family Viognier, Napa Valley, California (750ml)   

400 cases produced. All neutral oak that barely registers. On the delicate side for Viognier, with a freshness and elegance that is quite appealing.

Viognier can be a challenge to produce, as it is one of those varieties that needs physiological ripeness to show its potentially charming and seductive aromatics, but as that ideal moment approaches in the vineyard the natural acidity in the grapes plummets and the resulting wine loses freshness and zip. Cilf Family seems to have this delicate balancing act thoroughly dialed in, no doubt helped by a cooler vineyard site at the southern end of Napa Valley. ~ Peter Granoff, Master Sommelier