With five decades of family history in farming, Robert Van Westen is most at home, sustainably cultivating the soils of his Naramata Bench estate for Van Westen Vineyards. He was born on the Bench, grew up farming and planted his first grapes here in 1999 (hence the Twitter handle). The 2014 Viognier shows his careful handling of what can become an out-of-control grape. Ripe pear, gooseberry, orange and apricot blossom open the nose of this voluptuous, off-dry white. Sugared pear, lime peel and lime cordial carry the driving palate through tight reins, allowing Viognier to be expressive without over-saturation. Honeysuckle, pear and apple blossom linger on the spicy finish. Very well-handled, and ideal for your midsummer feasting.
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