Thumbprint Cellars

Legendary spies that we are (in our own minds at least), our experience with white wines has been, admittedly, somewhat limited.

Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc were about all we were exposed to during past missions. We were getting bored with those and our desire to even touch a white wine to our lips had waned. That is, until we started to spy some interesting and unusual varietals like Viognier.

Yes, now we are spying for the other side and finding whites worthy of our love and our taste buds.

This particular Viognier, from Thumbprint Cellars in picturesque Healdsburg, California is a limited-production beauty that we felt you would also enjoy.

This wine has a rich golden color and an initial complex aroma of wildflowers and citrus. After some time in the glass, this changed to give us more summer fruit flavors. It was a bit sharp and metallic on the tongue at first but finished nicely of fruit, sour pears and green apples and honey.

This, like ALL of the Thumbprint Cellars wines we have tasted, gets a big ol’ Wine Spies ‘THUMBS UP!’.

About the Winery

thumbprint cellars’ winemaker, Scott Lindstrom-Dake, has been making wine since 1995. “I developed a palate for fine wine, but as a college student I couldn’t afford to buy it. My mom and step-dad have been growing premium wine grapes for years and the light bulb just kind of went on- I can make my own wine.” So it began, a hobby in college to supplement the ‘cellar’ of he and his wife.

The first vintage was a great success. The wines were enjoyed by friends and family alike (all 4 cases of it), and demand began to grow. As requests for more wine grew, Scott decided to move away from ‘shiners’ (unlabeled bottles), and add a little flair to his wine packaging. Using a gold pen, he would write personal messages on each bottle he gave away or sold. During one such episode, Scott inadvertently grabbed the bottle where the gold ink was still wet – leaving a large gold thumbprint. He loved the look, and so thumbprint cellars was born.

About the Wine

A southern Rhone varietal, viognier, (v` on yay) offers a unique complexity not found in any other white wine. Honeysuckle, dry apricot and sweet floral aromas watercolor a landscape with enormous flavors. Nectarine, clover, honey, ripe peach, and candied ginger balance rich acidity with a smooth dry mouthfeel. Pair with cheeses, and rich foods. Organically farmed by Lou Preston.

ALC 15.2% ~ Vegan ~ 150 cases crafted