As a professed CA Viognier-hater, I have lately been encouraged by efforts to tame the cloying, overripe apricot characteristics that can dominate this varietal. Well, I have found Viognier heaven up in Washington State and this Walla Walla example, the source wineries signature white, is a pitch-perfect effort that will make you never want to touch another Washington Chardonnay.
Priced at $24/bottle and as food-friendly as all-get-out (not to mention uber-poolside-friendly), its a fantastically utilitarian purchase at $12/bottle. (this is the stainless-steel-fermented sister wine to N.98 barrel-fermented Viognier from same producer).
The nose is multi-faceted and complex with jasmine perfume and pretty orchard fruit notes lifted on spicy, honeyed mineral aromas. In contrast to the brisk bouquet, the palate is a complete head-fake; expecting bright acidity one instead finds the classic, chewy viscousness of Viognier. Smooth as a babies butt, the mid-palate serves up creamy saline on entry then turns fleshy with honeyed peach and pear fruit riding a chalky beam of minerality into the citrus-kissed sunset. Bone-dry and beautiful. Serve at cellar temp (55 degrees) with spicy Asian fare for pairing perfection.
100% Viognier
100% stainless steel
14.5% alc.
Bottled December 18th, 2020
