Isenhower Cellars Walla Walla Viognier
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Isenhower’s Viognier comes from Francisca’s Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley, located at an elevation of 902 feet.
- The vineyard benefits from fertile Ellisforde silt loam soils overlying Missoula flood sediments, contributing to the wine’s unique character and vibrant flavors.
Variety: 100% Viognier
Elaboration: Grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed, and gently pressed. The juice fermented to dryness with Saccharomyces uvarum in large-format French oak barrels and did not undergo malolactic fermentation. It aged in French oak barrels for five months before filtration and bottling.
Tasting Notes: Limpid yellow hue. Aromas of apricots and white peaches with distinct notes of noble reduction minerality and creamy French oak. The aromas are seamless, polished, fresh and very clean. The flavors in the mouth mirror the aromas with apricots and peaches, slight reduction and minerality. The mouthfeel is as seamless, fresh and rich.
PRESS
2021 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Isenhower Cellars, founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower, was the 18th winery in the Walla Walla area. Both pharmacists, they left Colorado’s corporate healthcare to pursue Brett’s winemaking dream and Denise’s desire to return to Washington. Today, they operate the winery together, with Brett as the winemaker and Denise as the General Manager.
The couple built their winery in 2002 and opened a tasting room in Woodinville in 2009. They source grapes from established growers in regions like Columbia Valley and Walla Walla. Isenhower Cellars embraces a minimalist winemaking philosophy, focusing on low pesticide use, sustainable methods, and light intervention to create fresh and interesting wines.