Frolic Viognier 2023
Viognier, that famously fragrant white of the northern Rhône, has a way of announcing itself before the glass even reaches the table—jasmine and honeysuckle drifting up, followed by the soft, sun-warmed promise of apricot and peach. It is a wine best enjoyed in its youth, when all that charm is at its most lively and persuasive.
It has a particular fondness for the brighter, more spirited corners of the table—Thai, Indian, or Vietnamese dishes with a touch of spice—where it manages to soothe and refresh in equal measure.
This version began with the 2023 harvest but was bottled as non-vintage, thanks to a small, rather inspired addition of just over five percent from the excellent 2024 vintage. The result is a touch more freshness, a little extra lift, and a pleasing complexity that lingers.
Viognier is not a subtle varietal. When handled correctly, it is aromatic, full-bodied, and immediately expressive. Frolic is engineered to capture that profile without losing control.
On the nose, it delivers primary aromatics consistent with the varietal—honeysuckle and jasmine—clean, defined, and forward. On the palate, the profile shifts to fruit: cantaloupe and Crenshaw melon, supported by a dry structure and a precise finish marked by a hint of red grapefruit.
This is a rich white wine, but not an uncontrolled one. Balance is maintained. The objective is intensity with clarity.
Frolic is designed for early consumption, when aromatics and texture are at peak performance. The floral and fruit profile integrates effectively with raw preparations such as sushi and sashimi, and it holds position against spice—Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Mexican cuisines—without being overrun.
The result is a Viognier that performs as intended: expressive, structured, and operationally reliable across a range of pairings.
Viognier presents a known challenge. Under typical conditions, the grape develops high sugar while losing acidity, often resulting in wines that are high in alcohol but lacking definition.
That outcome was not acceptable.
We addressed it at the source—selecting vineyard sites that naturally preserve balance, and applying precise winemaking techniques to maintain structure, freshness, and aromatic clarity.
The result is a Viognier with focus, character, and control—true to its potential, not its pitfalls.
There is, however, a cost. Quality Viognier is rare. The right sites are limited, yields are lower, and production requires greater care at every step.
In the end, it is more demanding to produce—but far more rewarding to drink.
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Harvest Date | 14th Sep 2023 |
| Style | White Rhone |
| Appellation | Mendocino |
| Varietal | Viognier |
| Date Bottled | 3rd Apr 2025 |
| Drinkable | 2024 - 2027 |
| Alcohol | 14.40% |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| PH Level | 3.37 |
| Residual Sugar | 0.134 |
| TA | 0.661 |
