Today’s wine is the incredibly delicious Skyhook 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands Viognier.

Perhaps you’re familiar with Derek Beitler. He’s a winemaker with winemaking in his blood. Derek is part of the Wagner family (his Mom was a Wagner and Chuck, owner of Caymus, is his uncle). Derek has gone in his own direction and created a couple of brands, including today’s Skyhook.

Needless to say, Derek has access to some of the best vineyards in California - and takes advantage of his family’s deep relationships.

Today’s Skyhook 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands Viognier, which was made at Caymus, is one of Derek’s best personal projects … and wow, is this wine something special!

This is not your usual California Viognier! It is rich, slightly smoky and incredibly delicious and unique. This wine is alive and bright on the nose, with white peach, candied pear, lime zest, straw and white spice.

On the palate, flavors of Bosc pear, white peach, apricot, softly smoky white flowers, lemon, toasted cedar, soft white spice and a hint of flinty mineral.

This is a slightly unusual wine, but don’t let that descriptor deter you. This unique wine is fantastic - and very food friendly.

At 60% off, this wine is also a real steal of a deal!

About the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA:

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Monterey County, California. It is part of the broader Monterey AVA which is one of California’s . This important sub-AVA is located in the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Salinas Valley, which is one of California’s premier agricultural areas.

Over 2,300 acres (931 ha) of vineyards are planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, with vineyards that rest at elevations as high as 1,200 feet above sea level. About half of the grapes planted here are Pinot Noir. The region enjoys cool morning fog and breezes from Monterey Bay followed by warm afternoons. This, thanks to direct southern exposures to the sun.

This wine is Highly Recommended.