Jed Steele’s 2017 Viognier is truly an outstanding example of what Viognier can be when the grapes are properly grown and the wine is made with care and expertise. Delicately nuanced fruit aromas are one of Viognier’s chief attractions, though too often the fragrance can be offputtingly aggressive; Steele’s version hits it just right. The texture here is perfectly light and brisk, and the flavors (floral and fruity, with hints of honey and minerality) are engaging. Bravo, Jed Steele.
Steele, Lake County (California) Viognier 2017
By Marguerite Thomas