3 - 2012 Tangent Grenache Blanc, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley 750ml
3 - 2013 Tangent Viognier, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley 750ml
2012 Tangent Grenache Blanc, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley
90 Points, Wine Advocate
Up-front aromas of red apple and ripe melon are entwined with a hint of floral rose. The crisp acid structure is balanced beautifully by a smooth but round mouthfeel. Bright flavors of citrus, cantaloupe and grapefruit are present from first taste through to the finish. This is my favorite wine with Thai food.
A small block on the estate Paragon Vineyard was planted to afforded one of the longest growing seasons in the state. Soils here are a mixture of volcanic, clay loam and rocky marine sediment, offering few nutrients. The temperate climate brings extended hang time, and the soils cause the vines to stress and strain as they grow. These two factors ultimately culminate in fully ripe, concentrated fruit that bursts with flavor.
Varietal Background
A mutation of the red version of Grenache, Grenache Blanc is believed to have originated in the province of Aragon in northern Spain. Plantings later spread throughout the rest of Spain, Europe and into the Mediterranean, including what is modern day Sardinia. After the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, many vineyards in Rioja and France were replanted to Grenache, as well as some to Grenache Blanc.
Grenache Blanc is commonly used as a blender in the Old World. It is a major component in the white wines of the Châteauneufdu-Pape and Côtes du Rhône AOCs, and is often blended with Roussanne, and even some red wines. In fact, up to 10% Grenache Blanc is permitted to be blended into the red wines of the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. Almost half of all Grenache Blanc plantings are in the Roussillon region; here it is blended with Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Rolle. In Châteauneufdu-Pape, Grenache Blanc is most often blended with Roussanne, Picpoul, and Clairette.
It is known as Garnacha Blanca in Spain, where it is widely planted in regions including Navarra, Terra Alta, Alella, Aragon, and the Priorat. It is legally permitted in the white wines of Rioja.
2013 Tangent Viognier, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley
95 Points, Wine Review Online
Not your typical California Viognier, this cool climate gem begins with aromas of honey, apricots, white peaches, and hints of pepper and caramel. Creamy and full bodied with perfect acidity, flavors of concentrated peaches and ripe cantaloupe are followed by a long floral finish.
The fruit for this wine is grown in the famed Paragon Vineyard of the Edna Valley on the Central Coast of California. Planted by winegrower pioneer Jack Niven in the early 1970s, this was one of the first vineyards in the region. The vineyard is now in the capable hands of the second and third Niven generation. They realize the need to keep step with the ever-changing wine marketplace, and have planted a few new varietals in recent years. Viognier is one of them. As the growing season here is lengthened as a result of the temperate climate, and the nearby Pacific Ocean provides a marine influence, Viognier enjoys the same Mediterranean climate as in the Rhône Valley of France. Viognier fits nicely into the tangent line-up, as it is a vibrant white varietal whose pure characteristics stand out nicely without any need of oak influence. Additionally, it is nice to sip on its own, and is also a great match with many foods.
Varietal Background
Viognier is the traditional white grape of the Condrieu and Château-Grillet regions in the Northern Rhône of France. It was mostly planted in the late nineteenth century after phylloxera tore through many original vineyards. Both tiny appellations, Condrieu and Château-Grillet produce only Viognier. The smallest appellation in France at just over 8 acres, Château-Grillet is also unique in that it is wholly owned by one producer. In the Côte Rôtie, the Northern Rhone’s most northern appellation, Viognier vines grow within vineyards of Syrah. The two varietals are harvested, crushed and fermented together. It is legal here to blend up to 20% Viognier into a Côte Rôtie Syrah. Producers originally liked the addition of Viognier’s creamy texture to soften the wines, but today it is used more because of its striking aroma.
SIP Certified Sustainable
The Niven family’s two estate vineyards, Paragon and Firepeak, have earned the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard family has ensured that these vineyards have historically been farmed in a careful and responsible manner, taking into account their collective commitment to environmental stewardship, economic viability, and equitable treatment of employees. A project of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, SIPTM provides vineyard’s attention to integrated farming practices.
