2007 Qupé Viognier/Chardonnay Bien Nacido Cuvée, Santa Maria Valley,CA

Bob Lindquist pioneered this excellent blend which combines the body of Chardonnay (50%) and the aromatics of Viognier (50%), all from the top Bien Nacido vineyard.The Viognier is picked ultra-ripe, where by itself would be out of balance, too low in acid and too high in alcohol. It's blended with Chardonnay that's picked at the low end of ripeness, which reigns it back in giving it structure, freshness and balance. The grapes were whole cluster pressed then the juice chilled and settled overnight. The juice then went straight to barrel (neutral French oak) for fermentation. In barrel it went through complete malo. Barrel aging was 5 months.