Category Archives: Viognier
Cactus Red and White Blends, Desert Hills Estate Winery, Oliver, BC, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2020
I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for red and white wines that are not going to break my bank, but that meet all – or at least most – of my criteria. That includes … Continue reading
An Oregon Wine Board Tasting with Winderlea Vineyard + Winery, and Troon Vineyard
If these were normal times, and the world’s longest undefended border was open, I would have been in Oregon’s Willamette Valley last weekend, participating in the 2020 version of the Wine Media Conference. But alas, these are Covid-19, not normal … Continue reading
Amelia (Syrah – Viognier), Daydreamer Wines, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 13.5% abv., 2017, C$35
This plush 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier is a treat! Master of Wine Marcus Ansems has produced a delicious Naramata Bench version of this northern Rhône classic. In the traditional homeland of Syrah, many winemakers co-ferment the grape with 5-10% Viognier … Continue reading
Syrah, Ramey Wine Cellars, Sonoma Coast AVA, California, 2013, 14.5% abv (US$59)
Four years ago this month, I graduated with the WSET Diploma – a credential anyone who works in wine and spirits will know is that difficult. Drinking lots of interesting things to support my wine studies and habit has never … Continue reading
Viognier/Roussanne, Freyja, Gard Vintners, Lawrence Estate Wines, Royal Slope, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State, 2017, US$16
Recently I attended the 2018 Wine Media Conference in Walla Walla, Washington. When I was doing a little legwork in advance of the event about some of the wineries we may meet with, I’d noticed a review by Stephen Tanzer … Continue reading
Viognier, Maison Denuzière, Aphrodite, Condrieu AC, France, 2014, 13% abv, US$50
There are just 500 acres of vines in the French appellation of Condrieu – it’s very petite – and the only grape allowed to grow there is a specific clone of Viognier. A different Viognier clone is used throughout the … Continue reading
Viognier, CC Jentsch, Golden Mile Bench, Naramata VQA, BC, 2015, 13.5% abv. C$23
CC Jentsch is a small, family-owned BC winery located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver. Amber Pratt is Chris and Betty Jentsch’s winemaker. The family has farmed in the region since 1929. I first learned of their wines when … Continue reading
Viognier, Tahbilk, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia, 2014, 13.8% abv.
This wine is produced at Tahbilk where 5 generations of the Purbrick family have been involved in winemaking since the current owner’s great grandfather purchased the vines in 1925. Viognier was planted here in the 1990s. Medium lemon in colour, … Continue reading
Viognier, Marsanne, The Hermit Crab, D’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, Australia, 2013. 13% abv, C$18.50++
From the Osborn family winery, D’Arenberg – located in McLaren Vale and established in 1912 – this is a blend of Viognier and Marsanne made from grapes grown on calcareous, limestone soils. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, is responsible … Continue reading
Viognier, Yalumba, The Y Series, Eden Valley, South Australia, 13.5% abv, 2014, C$16++
Yalumba has been around a while and seen five generations of Aussies named Hill or Hill-Smith come and go in the winery and vineyards. This is a vegan-friendly wine (no fish bladders were used in production) and Yalumba also uses … Continue reading
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