Amazingly, the 2007 Rosé is Bill’s first stab at this category in more than 20 years. His only goal: Make a quaffable, dry rosé in the style that might be found in Provence. With a twist, that is. This rosé is a red wine drinker's pink wine. Meaning that it has far more wine-y attributes than you generally see in the category.

There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, it's made of 100% syrah, a grape that can be grown in many places under many different growing conditions. That said, syrah doesn't make frivolous reds (or pinks). It's just not in the grape's DNA. So, what Bill was left with was real fruit for a real wine, one that just happens to be off-red in color.

The second crucial factor is that the wine doesn't undergo malolactic fermentation. This secondary fermentation (that is, second to the initial alcoholic fermentation in which yeast interacts with grape sugars and converts them to alcohol) is discussed throughout this website. The short version is that by not allowing the rudimentary wine to go through malo (the shorthand reference), it retains a sprightly freshness that it might have lost otherwise. This results in a zingy rosé with real wine-like character.

Bill would probably read this, and say, "Just shut up and drink it." Agreed.

WINE PROFILE:

Fresh and very clean combination of citrus and tropical fruit notes with a vivacious finish. Tasty and light enough to drink as an aperitif, it’s also an ideal match for spicy dishes, from Asian-inspired to barbecue.

400 cases produced

GET IT AT

Greene Grape Downtown for $17.75/bottle

The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges for $12/glass; $48/bottle

P.D. O'Hurley's @ West End for $13/glass; $32/bottle

The 2007 Viognier represents the sixth vintage from the same vineyard in Lodi. Bill strongly believes that viognier needs more warmth in the vineyard than Sonoma County can typically be assured of providing each year, thus he chose to source the fruit far afield from his base in the Alexander Valley.

Sadly, there will not be a 2008 or 2009 vintage. Arbios, perhaps suffering from a bit of viognier fatigue (it's not the most loyal of subjects), is taking a pass on these two years. But, weather permitting, there should be a '10. In '11, that is.

And to keep it in your mind's eye, here's a nice writeup about it: Viognier blog.

When served cool, the 2007 Viognier shows off its grapefruity tanginess; as it warms, the inherent body of viognier steps up with yellow flower and stone fruit accents. It’s an apt match for exotically sauced fish, chicken and white meat dishes.

613 cases produced

GET IT AT

Ehrlich's Wines & Liquors for $21/bottle SOLD OUT!!!

Greene Grape Downtown for $20.75/bottle SOLD OUT!!!

Dovetail for $62/bottle SOLD OUT!!!

Print. for $40/bottle SOLD OUT!!!