2003 Ultra Premium Voignier
The Vintage
The 2003 growing season was outstanding! The better estates were rewarded with superb fruit. Once again the weather for growing grapes was optimal. This enabled those vineyards which focus on quality rather than quantity to produce exceptional fruit.
The Vineyard
Our 2003 Viognier was produced from grapes grown in the Yakima Valley, eighty percent of which came from our renowned Kestrel View Estate Vineyard. The Viognier is planted in the northern portion of our vineyard where the soils are shallower and stonier, allowing for good drainage. The other twenty percent came from Outlook Vineyard, which is similar to our own vineyard in that it is high on the Roza with a south facing slope and shallow, stony soils. Sourcing from different vineyards adds complexity to the wine.
The Winemaking
The fruit was hand picked and sorted. The quality was excellent. The tiny golden berries were translucent, allowing you to see the seeds inside the fruits. The whole clusters were pressed,, the juice was chilled and then settled for six days prior to being racked to new and used French oak barrels. The yeast strains used were Premier Cuvee and CY3079. Malolactic fermentation was started but not allowed to complete, preserving the natural fruit characteristics of the Viognier grape. The wine stayed in barrels for nine months "Sur Lie" then was lightly filtered.
The Wine
The color is light straw. The aromas are floral, with hints of honey, lemon, lime, orange zest and ripe summer apples. The flavors echo the aromas. The body is rich and mouth filling with a great combination of luscious fruit and crisp acidity. I would recommend serving this wine as an aperitif, or with simply prepared foods such as sautéed seafood seasoned with fragrant herbs, like tarragon or basil.
| PH |
|
3.41 |
| TA |
|
6.53 g/liter |
| ALC |
|
13.5% |
| RS |
|
0.5 g /liter |
| Blend |
|
100% Kestrel Voignier |
| Cases |
|
570 |
| Release Date |
|
February 2005 |
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Kestrel Signature Edition Wines
Kestrel Winemaker Select Wines
Kestrel Ultra-Premium Wines
Kestrel Table Wines
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