Ballandean Estate's new winemaker Boxi Zhen is certainly showing his hand and expressing his personality through his wines. A new style of Viognier from this iconic Granite Belt producer, it was harvested in batches and fermented with wild yeast turning what was done prior on its head.
The techniques used are consistent with the other new releases in the range (Wild Ferment GFM and the Malvasia), and as a result, there is a fine veil of spice running through the core.
Fresh apricots, white peach and some honeydew melon entice. However, there is a partition of sorts where the fruit meets the acid hindering the smooth flow between the two. The fruit itself is on the leaner side and some more punch would match the acidity I feel. The cinnamon spice ramps up its presence on close and stays long slowly bringing the mouth to water. With a few nips and tucks, I reckon something special is brewing here.
Drink to three years.
89/100
Region: Granite Belt
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