I have had a number of wines from McPrice Myers and recently wrote about Barrel 27′s High on the Hog, a joint venture between McPrice Myers and Russell From. The wine was a bit hot for me at 15.1% alcohol, so I was a little concerned when I saw his Larner Vinyeard Viognier weighed in at 15.6% alcohol. Fortunately, I was in for a pleasant surprise.
Golden straw in color. An exotic and enticing nose of nectarine, peaches, apricot, honey and floral notes. On the palate, stone fruits, pear tangerine, cut grass, honeysuckle, wet stone and a hint of vanilla. Rich, lush, creamy and a bit oily with nice viscosity. Loaded with fruit, but very well balanced. Good acidity and a prolonged, crisp and clean finish. Surprisingly well integrated with no significant heat on the nose or palate. I would have never pegged this wine above 15% alcohol.
Last weekend I had a Melville Viognier (see upcoming review). While the McPrice Myers might not be quite as rich as the Melville, I think the alcohol is integrated better with the McPrice Myers and it is a bit more food friendly as well. The wine retails for about $26-28 a bottle, but I was able to find it for $20 — and went back to order more before the bottle was empty. For my palate, this is the best wine I have had from McPrice Myers and one the the best Viogniers I have had from California in a long time. Recommended.
The McPrice Myers Viognier and the L’Aventure Roussanne 2006 were my two favorite Rhône whites from California I have tasted so far this year.
About McPrice Myers
McPrice Myers began his career working for specialty food retailers and grocery stores, giving him the opportunity to taste a lot of wine. In wine he found a passion and started dreaming of the day when he would make his own wine.
He started working harvests in Paso Robles, learning the trade and making the contacts that would lay the groundwork for the point at which he would eventually make his own wine. In 2002, Myers contracted enough fruit to make 250 cases of Santa Barbara County Syrah.
Read review of McPrice Myers Grenache L’ange 2005.
Other recommended California Rhône whites:
Melville Estate Verna’s Viognier 2007
Gaillard Côtes du Rhône Les Gendrines 2006
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Blanc 2006
Pax Marsanne/Roussanne/Viognier, Nepenthe, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County, 2006
L’Aventure Roussanne 2006
[...] L’Aventure Roussanne and the McPrice Myers Viognier 2006 were my two favorite Rhône whites from California I have tasted so far this [...]
[...] also liked the McPrice Myers Viognier. While it was not quite as rich or powerful, it was a bit more approachable and food friendly [...]
[...] this price range. I would certainly opt for the Melville Estate Verna’s Viognier 2007 or the McPrice Myers Larner’s Vineyard Viognier 2006. Both of those wines are richer with more vibrant Viognier characteristics (stone fruits, [...]
[...] Melville Estate Verna’s Viognier 2007 McPrice Myers Viognier Larner Vineyard 2006 [...]
[...] Golden straw in color. An exotic and enticing nose of nectarine, peaches, apricot, honey and floral notes. On the palate, stone fruits, pear tangerine, cut grass, honeysuckle, wet stone and a hint of vanilla. Rich, lush, creamy and a bit oily with nice viscosity. Loaded with fruit, but very well balanced. Good acidity and a prolonged, crisp and clean finish. Surprisingly well integrated with no significant heat on the nose or palate. I would have never pegged this wine above 15% alcohol. Everyone was in agreement that this wine was the highlight of the evening. Great fruit, minerality, acidity and creaminess — really an outstanding example of Viognier. View complete post. [...]
[...] is one of the 2 best Viogniers I have had this year. The other is the McPrice Myers Viognier Larner Vineyard 2006. They are very different styles, the Gaillard has more weight and viscosity — and might be [...]
[...] on my list of top 5 whites (that is if I kept such a list). On that list, I would also include the McPrice Myers Viognier 2006 and Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang [...]
[...] McPrice Myers Viognier Larner Vineyard 2006 Cheverny, Le Petit Chambord, Domaine Francois Cazin, 2006 Mas des Bressades Roussanne-Viognier 2007 [...]