2000 Terre Rouge Viognier

[Innkeeper]

2000 Terre Rouge, Shenandoah Vally California, Viognier ($28). Last of a 12 bottle collection ordered back in '01 for $198. If not the best, certainly one of very best of the lot. Vitals include 14.5% alcohol (not hot), 6.2 gm/ltr acidity (low), barrel fermenting (not as bad as aging in new oak) and sur lees aging. It was maled. Because of all the above, saved it for something that would match with it. So, while we fired up the electric smoker for the first time this year with a couple of chickens in it, I went down to the cellar to find something to go with them. You guessed it.

It was fantastic! Yes, had to armwrestle Mother for the last drop. The mesquite smoked chicken overcame the oak, lees, mal and any other possible shortcomings. Apricots and ripe peaches on the nose and upfront, complex and delicious texture across the palate, and some minerality in the finish. In addition to the chicken, we had sourdough biscuits, and petite peas with it. Absolutely wonderful. A memorable dinner.