Availability: Direct from winery here. Select VQA stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 615 cases
Date Tasted: November 11th, 2010
Tasting Notes: Pouring a glass of Sandhill's excellent Small Lot Program Viognier you'd swear it was heavily oaked and aged. Neither is correct. This 2009 vintage (an admirable follow-up to the outstanding and award-winning 2008 release) has seen no oak and was released in April. The apple juice-like, amber-gold colour and touch of oaky tannin richness likely comes from the whole-cluster pressing used during the crush.
When served chilled, but not cold, the intense aromas of apricots, pear, peaches, cardamom and tropical fruit will come alive in the glass. The equally intense, off-dry and full-bodied palate follows with good continuity of flavours and good pineapple tartness. At 14.9% alcohol, a reflection of the heat from the 2009 summer, the wine's balance tips towards too hot, but only a bit as the intensity and the smoky texture of the palate masks the alcohol, mostly.
Pair with roasted mushroom and smoked bacon creamy pasta. Drinking beautifully now or hold for further development. Drink 2010-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010
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