Dreaded Friend Rosé 2022

 

These Dreaded Friend wines are a carousel ride through the amusement park of texture. What a cleverly put together bunch they are. Here you have a Rosé made from Viognier fermented in Petit Verdot skins.

Dreaded Friend Viognier 2022

 

The Dreaded Friend range of wines from ChaLou is the brainchild of co-owner and vigneron Steve Mobbs exploring a range of varieties. This Viognier comes from the family vineyard in Canowindra. But just take a moment to absorb that stunning label!

The Somm and the Winemaker Skinny 2022

Long-time friends Louella Matthews (Sommelier) and Nadja Wallington (Winemaker) have joined forces to deliver two wines using their experiences and perspectives from two sides of the hospitality scene. Expression was the aim and they've nailed it.

In Two Minds Two Pairs Reserve MRV 2022

 

I met Kate Day, one of the two Kates behind the In Two Minds label, on my recent trip to Mudgee. Although Mudgee based, she makes her wines interstate with her sister-in-law Katherine Day, drawing parcels of fruit from a range of regions. An excitable and passionate winemaker, she says this wine pays homage to Don Lewis who was a great mentor in her early years.

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2020

 

Australia's premier Viognier without question, this is another excellent release from Yalumba.

Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2021

 

A ray of morning sunshine in the glass. A delicate little number here showcasing the beauty of Viognier.

Soumah Tutto Bianco d'Soumah 2022

 

A blend of all the white varieties on the Soumah property, Viognier, Savagnin, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay come together to deliver a textural and thought provoking white. 

Gra Fion Shiraz Viognier 2021

 

You could fall head over heels for the easy flow and glossy presence of this Shiraz Viognier. 

Lightning Tree Sassy Lassy NV

 

A blend of Viognier and Verdelho makes up the Sassy Lassy. A neat, uncomplicated wine.

Levantine Hill Mélange Traditionnel Blanc 2017

 

As the back label says, this is an 'Old world inspired traditional white blend'.

Yalumba GEN Organic Viognier 2022

 

Yalumba does entry-level Viognier better than anyone and this new GEN Organic release proves that point once more. Although I'd prefer the superior Y Series, this is a handy wine make no mistake.

Comyns and Co Mr Red 2021

 

The Shiraz and Viognier blend fad was red hot years ago and its appeal has simmered down somewhat. The odd example still bobs up. Here is a solid expression from the Hunter Valley's Comyns & Co.

Tim Smith Eden Valley Viognier 2022

 

Clean lines, classy feels, this is a fabulous expression of Viognier. It's gone up two bucks since the previous vintage but you'd pay it. You'd happily pay more given the quality on offer. Another impressive release from Tim Smith.

Balgownie Estate Viognier 2021

 

Barrel fermented and seeing six months in French oak, this Viognier from the Bendigo region is a tidy drink.

Tim Smith Bugalugs White 2022

 

Becoming a grandfather has certainly softened Tim Smith. He only used to make a Riesling and Viognier. Now he's blending white and making a Rosé. Who is this guy?

Drink this though. It's good. Very good! I feel all levels of Parisian drinking it. Classy and then some. 

Getting ready for International Viognier Day with a Yalumba Viognier Masterclass

 

I had the opportunity last week to spend some time (virtually) with Yalumba's Louisa Rose and Jessica Hill-Smith as well as Langmeil's James Lindner to chat about all things Viognier. Yes, Viognier, that white grape that seems to have an issue with people pronouncing its name correctly. Say "vee-on-yay". 

What a most interesting and informative hour this was.

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2019

Yalumba's flagship white wine, this Virgilius Viognier sees 11 months in old French oak. Coming off vines planted in 1980, this is flirtatious yet it wants to get serious all at the same time. It's excellent really.

Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2020

 

I really like the mouthfeel here. It weaves and bends around with ease. A quality Viognier from the Eden Valley.

Yalumba FSW Botrytis Viognier 2020

 

Long and luscious, this incredibly silky botrytis Viognier was part of a tasting in preparation for International Viognier Day coming up on 30 April. Rich and generous, this is a kiss from the nectar gods. 

Guigal Cote Du Rhone Blanc 2019

 

This Guigal arrived as part of a sample pack from Yalumba in readiness for International Viognier Day on 30 April. If you were to describe this wine using an emoji, it would be 'meh'.