While he has become known for his insanely delicious Petite Sirahs from Paso Robles, winemaker Aaron Jackson has recently expanded his portfolio and added some new flavors! AEQUOREA - which means "of the sea" in Latin - is focused on single vineyard wines from extreme coastal vineyards amidst San Luis Obispo County.
Making Viognier is a welcomed-challenge for Aaron, in that he aims for a style so much different than what is typically produced in California. When grown on the cool, foggy extremities of the coast, Viognier becomes a far different animal than the flabby, over-the-top versions typically produced in California. At only 2 miles from the ocean in Pismo Beach, Spanish Springs is on the edge of where Viognier can be reliably grown, and here we can make a wine that is shockingly mineral and fresh, more bright than ripe, and bursting with natural acidity. In many ways, it’s the anti-Viognier, yet totally true to the varietal. We find it to be akin more to Sauvignon Blanc than your traditional Viognier.
Effusively aromatic but not at all heavy like most Viognier, it bursts forth with a bright, vibrant, floral personality that is unlike any Viognier you’ve ever tasted. White flowers, citrus, unripe pineapple, and minerals dominate the aromas, while the palate is distinctively atypical for Viognier. A lemony freshness with notes of pomelo, barely ripe white nectarine, sweet white grapefruit, and pineapple core, braced by tremendously fresh acidity and super mineral finish.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "One of the last wines released under the Aequorea label before its rebranding to Akana, the 2024 Viognier Spanish Springs Vineyard opens with its characteristically citrus-driven, high-toned bouquet, which is markedly more contained and refined than often seen in the variety. The palate continues with a clean, vibrant texture and a similarly bright, saline-driven finish."
Making Viognier is a welcomed-challenge for Aaron, in that he aims for a style so much different than what is typically produced in California. When grown on the cool, foggy extremities of the coast, Viognier becomes a far different animal than the flabby, over-the-top versions typically produced in California. At only 2 miles from the ocean in Pismo Beach, Spanish Springs is on the edge of where Viognier can be reliably grown, and here we can make a wine that is shockingly mineral and fresh, more bright than ripe, and bursting with natural acidity. In many ways, it’s the anti-Viognier, yet totally true to the varietal. We find it to be akin more to Sauvignon Blanc than your traditional Viognier.
Effusively aromatic but not at all heavy like most Viognier, it bursts forth with a bright, vibrant, floral personality that is unlike any Viognier you’ve ever tasted. White flowers, citrus, unripe pineapple, and minerals dominate the aromas, while the palate is distinctively atypical for Viognier. A lemony freshness with notes of pomelo, barely ripe white nectarine, sweet white grapefruit, and pineapple core, braced by tremendously fresh acidity and super mineral finish.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "One of the last wines released under the Aequorea label before its rebranding to Akana, the 2024 Viognier Spanish Springs Vineyard opens with its characteristically citrus-driven, high-toned bouquet, which is markedly more contained and refined than often seen in the variety. The palate continues with a clean, vibrant texture and a similarly bright, saline-driven finish."
