Welcome again to Carolyn’s Local Wine Direct. I am pleased to be your purveyor of unique and distinctive wines specially chosen for you here in my neighborhood, Sonoma County California.

Hawley Wines 2005 California Viognier

Today I am offering you a remarkable white wine, from the renowned artisan producer in the Dry Creek Valley, Hawley Wines. Winemaker and grower John Hawley is known throughout the industry, and his delectable Viognier, a personal favorite for several years, is the best ever for this 2005 vintage. So far this year the 2005 Hawley Viognier has received a shower of Gold Medals and recognition, winning Gold at the prestigious Orange County and Riverside Wine Competitions, and Gold, Best of Class and Best of California at the California State Fair. Wow!

The wine’s soft texture is set in perfect balance to the brightest, yummiest fruit I've tasted yet. Intense peach, honeysuckle, and orange blossom aromas lead the way in a wine that is creamy but not over-oaked. The mouthfeel is luscious and complex, as exotic fruit flavors, moderate acidity and a long, silky finish combine to make this a truly great white wine. A terrific sipping wine (like Chardonnay), it is also delicious with Thai, Chinese and other spicy taste treats.

White wine lovers will adore the Hawley Viognier, but it is a serious white wine, one which red wine aficionados will embrace as well! Carefully crafted using traditional French techniques, this inimitable wine was made in neutral oak (barrels used 4-8 times before). A secondary malolactic fermentation further softened the high natural acidity of the grapes, and added flavor complexity.

Like no other Viognier I’ve tasted, it also takes joy in exposure to the air. John tells us that the wine tastes best when it has been open for 2 or even 3 days; I find that it holds nicely in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However you savor it, whenever you are ready, pour it in your glass, swirl it around, let it warm to the air and allow your enjoyment to unfold.

Another interesting fact is reflected in this wine. About 3/4 of the Viognier fruit comes from Placer County in the Sierra Foothills, and 1/4 from John’s Estate in the Dry Creek Valley. This disjunct blending of fruit from vineyards located hundreds of miles apart is tied together by a perfect logic...the vines are genetically identical, as John gave the other grower cuttings from his own stock. Each terroir adds complexity to this wonderful wine.

One of the legendary winemakers of Sonoma County and California, John Hawley was founding Winemaker at Clos Du Bois, and the man behind Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay for many years. After launching and guiding these juggernauts, he "retired" to his estate in the mid-90's, where he now works diligently to produce only 3000 cases of wine each year.

This wine is eminently ready for you to enjoy now, a great choice as the dog days of summer approach, though it may be held several more years. This delicious savory experience is yours for only $22 per bottle!

Distinctive quality and value always await you at Carolyn’s Local Wine Direct. Thank you for the wonderful response to my prior selections. Any wine orders may be combined with the Hawley Viognier to qualify for discounts of 5% on 6-11 bottles and 10% on 12 or more. Order today!

This special offering is available for only a limited time.

Click here to order Hawley's 2005 California Viognier today!

or call me at 707-857-4100 during regular business hours,
to place your order by phone.

Cheers,
Carolyn