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WINES By Chuck Hill
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Chuck's Wine Reviews
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Wines of the Week Archive
Viognier and Friends - Oodles of Noodles
The
consensus has been reached that the best food and wine pairing for white
Rhone varieties is Thai cuisine. Spicy noodle dishes like Phad Thai and
other tempting treats (see
article one) are made even more delicious with accompanying
Viogniers and blends. A consensus is close on the subject of blended
Rhone whites being superior to 100% single varietal wines. While
Viognier has unique intensities in the floral-tropical arena, It seems
best to tone it down a notch with additions of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc
or other varietals.
Alexandria Nicole Cellars Winemaker Jarrod Boyle crafts a wide selection of tempting varietals from his Destiny Ridge Vineyard, none more appealing to experienced wine tasters than his Rhone whites. In this arena, Roussanne (compared with the intensities of Viognier) is subtle with aromas and flavors of dusty mineral, orchard blossom, honeysuckle, lime zest, herbs and pear. The winery's Marsanne bottling is also excellent with a similar flavor profile - just add a hint of nuttiness and melon.
Barnard Griffin The winery's online description of the appeal of this wine echoes my opinion to the letter; "Offers dry wine enthusiasts a welcome departure from more commonplace white varieties." This wine is an especially fine accompaniment to meals, showing aromas and flavors of honey, herbs, citrus, melon and a hint of new oak. Upon first pouring, the nose offers dusty earth and mineral, but evolves with breathing time.
Whidbey Island Winery Summer is almost here, and you should plan a visit to beautiful Whidbey Island for a touch of the island life and the experience of a ferry ride. While you are there, head over to Langley and visit Whidbey Island Winery - charming folks, tasty wines and a nice place to relax. Greg Osenbach fermented his Roussanne with 12% Viognier, adding a little tropical and floral to the aromas and flavors of mineral, melon and light vanilla.
From the team of owners Michael Corliss and Lauri Darnielle, and
winemaker Kendall Mix comes this Rhone white blend of 67% Roussanne and
33% Viognier. Our panelists appreciated the wine for its complexity and
character as well as notes contributed by the winemaker in the form of
toasty caramel from barrel fermentation with a good portion of new oak.
Aromas of grapefruit zest, candy lemon and floral perfume are haunted by
notes of honeyed caramel corn. The palate offers flavors of sweet
herbs, citrus and mineral with a finish of marzipan and mango.
Cristom Winery The Viognier vineyard at Cristom Winery in the Eola Hills of Oregon is just up from the winery building in the warmest part of the estate where this Rhone varietal can accumulate heat to ripen each year. Placing high in our tasting panel, the wine offers aromas of mineral, citrus and melon with light notes of grapefruit zest and dusty herb. The palate shows flavors of stone fruits, mineral and hints of spice and herb held in impeccable balance by the efforts of talented winemaker Steve Doerner.
Challenger Ridge Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Winery is in the Skagit Valley near the town of Concrete on the Skagit River. Some grapes are brought in from the Yakima Valley, and the winery has a satellite tasting room in Woodinville. Liberty Bell is a blend of a handful of varietals including 15% Viognier. Look for aromas of grassy herbs, lemon and peach leading to a palate of pear drop, citrus and herbs.
Bergevin Lane Vineyards This tasty white wine is a blend of 42% Roussanne, 33% Viognier, 17% Chardonnay and 8% Marsanne. The nose offers the aromas of dusty mineral, white peach, lemon zest and pear. On the palate you'll enjoy flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, mineral and melon - very enjoyable with Thai cuisine or other light dishes.
McKinley Springs This value priced bottling from McKinley Springs features a smooth palate with just under 1% residual sugar. Crafted from 56% Chenin Blanc and 44% Viognier, it is an unusual blend that seems to work. Look for aromas of white peach, citrus and floral perfume leading to a palate of fresh lemon lime, peach, pineapple and vanilla. A nice sip for before dinner or for those seeking an off-dry dinner wine.
Eden Vale Winery This charming late harvest wine dates from the very first releases of Eden Vale Winery. Almost a decade old, but still fresh and bright, the wine offers aromas and flavors of ripe citrus and spicy tropical fruits reminiscent of Christmas ribbon candy. It is a treat to savor after a light meal, accompanied by Rogue Blue Cheese, nuts and fruit.
From other areas:
Eberle It's wines like this one - a blend of 65% Grenache Blanc and 35% Viognier - that convince me all Rhone white wines should be blended from two or more varietals. Delicious aromas of fresh orange (where does that come from???), mineral, melon and mango lead to a crisp palate of fresh pear and citrus. This wine was barrel fermented (20% new oak) but doesn't show any ill effects from the experience, only rich, balanced goodness and a long, complex finish.
Tablas Creek Vineyards The closest this wine came to an oak barrel was when it flowed by the barrel cellar in the hose. All stainless steel fermentation for this blend of Grenache Blanc (50%), Viognier (33%), Roussanne (10%) and Marsanne (7%) created a delicious wine for pairing with seafood or Asian cuisine - or just sipping with stimulating conversation. Lemon and mineral dominate with notes of tropical fruits from the Viognier.
Cline The cool, foggy summer mornings in the Sonoma Coast AVA helped contribute to the superb balance of this classic Northern Rhone-style blend. Aromas and flavors of citrus and spice linger on the palate with notes of stone fruits, mineral and a hint of vanilla - truly superb wine to pair with Thai cuisine.
Villicana Winery This food-friendly Viognier was crafted by Alex and Monica Villicana at their Westside Paso Robles winery. This couple is "hands on" in their operation from grape growing to winemaking - and you can even meet them in the winery tasting room on weekends. Look for ripe aromas and flavors of peach, melon and citrus with tropical notes and a touch of vanilla. # # #
One-year
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