While Viognier is a relatively recent chapter in Yeringberg’s long history, Sandra de Pury treats it with the same reverence and restraint as her half-century-old vines. In a world where this variety is often known for being oily and overt, Yeringberg’s interpretation is a study in elegance.
The cool, long 2023 growing season was ideal for this style, producing fruit of "understated opulence." Sandra employed a sophisticated harvesting strategy, picking the block at three different ripeness levels over three weeks to capture the full spectrum of the variety. The fruit was crushed and destemmed with some oxidative skin contact, then wild fermented in large-format old oak where it matured for 10 months. Notably, malolactic fermentation was blocked to maintain a razor-sharp line of freshness.
The nose is refined and complex, offering aromas of apricot, honey, and lemon verbena, lifted by delicate notes of white tea, ginger, and orange blossom. On the palate, there is texture and weight, but it is framed by a wonderful line of acidity and "delicately pithy phenolics" that give the wine drive and poise. It is a Viognier of structure and balance, best enjoyed over the next 3–4 years.