Cedarville Vineyards, El Dorado (Sierra Foothills, California) Viognier 2020

 Offering a mix of wines, Cedarville organically farms 15 acres and was the first to plant Viognier in the area.  With twenty vintages now under its belt and working with Viognier on the coldest, north facing site, it has learned to harvest on the earlier side of ripeness.  The end result is a distinct and full bodied style.  The primary fermentation is finished in barrels and with lees stirring, the wine is bottled unfiltered.  In the glass it shows a bright, light yellow color and its aroma displays Meyer lemon, lemon zest and lychee nut along with a floral note.  But on the palate, this is full throttle with round, mouth filling pear and citrus flavors that are lively yet viscous.  And it surprises with its lovely rich texture and a slight fresh lime and acid tingle in the finish.