Pacific Northwest Viognier
With its variety of microclimates, the Pacific Northwest is well suited for making different styles of wine from the Viognier grape.
Cristom Vineyards OR
2009 Viognier, Estate Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills Notes of peach, pineapple, apricot, and preserved lemon, with lily and white rose, and a light dusting of minerality, herb, and white pepper. $26
Et Fille Wines OR
2009 Viognier, “Deux Vert Vineyard,” Yamhill-Carlton Instantly delivers notes of lime, lemon, and grapefruit, opening up into tropical pineapple and passion fruit. Hibiscus nectar, white clover, honey, and fresh garden herbs round out the back end. $24
Dusted Valley WA
2009 Viognier, Yakima Valley Tropical fruit tones of guava, lychee, passion fruit, banana, and pineapple, highlighted by notes of honeysuckle, lily, and white pepper. The palate has lovely acids and a lasting finish with a lingering viscosity and pleasantly round mouthfeel. $26
Abeja WA
2010 Viognier, Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley Intense with citrus and shortbread notes. Lemon tart, kiwi, and baked apple hit the palate up front, while yellow rose and banana pudding round out the back end. Pleasant acidity balances out the wine gracefully. $20
Sandhill Winery BC
2008 Viognier, Okanagan Valley “I could hardly keep myself in my seat when tasting this brilliant, pristine, and absolutely classic Viognier. There was so much perfume with nectarine, star fruit, kiwi, and pepper. It was massive on the palate, fleshy, waxy, yet braced by great acidity and alcohol warmth, with phenomenal length.”—2009 Canadian Wine Awards $25
Quady Winery OR
2009 North Viognier, Ox Block
Reserve, Applegate Valley Subtle tropical notes of banana and pineapple dance about with aromas of acacia flower and honey. The palate is rich and fruit driven, with touches of citrus and a lingering finish highlighted by a touch of vanilla wafer. $25
Troon Vineyard OR
2010 Viognier, Steelhead Run Vineyard, Applegate Valley Light in color, to the point of being almost clear, it is dripping in tropical fruit aromas and fleshy with notes of passion fruit and pineapple, luscious floral and honeysuckle nectar, and a touch of white pepper and spice in the back palate. $19
Cowhorn OR
2009 Viognier, Applegate Valley Uniquely expressive with notes of shortbread and lemon custard alongside green melon, dried banana, and dehydrated pineapple. The slightly creamy texture is due to the four months of oak ageing with 16% new French oak. $30
Tyrus Evan OR
2008 Viognier, Del Rio Vineyard, Rogue Valley Complex, with heady notes of pineapple, papaya, mango, baked yellow apple, and cantaloupe. A slight flinty character brings a pleasant minerality, with weavings of chamomile tea in the long finish. $26
Penner-Ash OR
2010 Viognier, Oregon Shows upfront notes of apricot, peach, papaya, and pineapple, with highlights of acacia flower and honeysuckle. It has lively acidity and a touch of residual sugar, which lends fullness to the palate. $30
From our July/August 2011 issue.