Singer Wine, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Viognier 2021

 Stephen Singer was a key figure in the San Francisco wine and food revolution involving the likes of Chez Panisse and Kermit Lynch.  Located in the Sebastopol Hills, Singer’s 6 acre organically farmed vineyard was planted to Rhône varieties in 2003.  This limited production (fewer than 100 cases) Viognier was aged 5 months in neural barrels and bottled unfined.  With a hint of green in its pale straw color, it displays lots of stone fruit with floral and enticing ginger and lychee notes in its flavors and finish.  Medium full-bodied with a slightly fleshy, smooth texture that leads to a bold, lifted acid finish, it went through partial malolactic fermentation.  Staying away from the ripe, tropical side of Viognier, it leans toward a rich but vibrant, solid style.  The only drawback is the price.