Availability: Direct from winery. Select private and VQA stores.
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2010
Re-Tasted: September 2nd, 2012
Tasting Notes: This is the first release of Viognier from Black Hills Estate Winery and it is a winner. Rich, concentrated flavours and aromas with a masculine, austere character. Pairs well with food (spicy Thai for example) and is an all-round pleaser. An impressive first vintage.
Medium-plus intense aromas of minerals, stone fruit, honey, aromatic flowers, peaches, tropical fruit, orange rind and light oak. Good continuity of flavours through to the dry palate with more austere mineral notes and a nice lingering spice on the moderate-plus finish.
Our only complaint is that the balance is ever-so-slightly tilted towards the hot side with 14.2% alcohol. A minor fault masked when served with food. All in all, this is another excellent BC Viognier for which the hot and dry 2009 season offered excellent growing conditions. This Rhone Valley varietal has a bright future in the Okanagan Valley. Drink now or cellar for another 1-2 years for further development. Drink 2010-2015.
Re-Tasted Notes: Took own advice and recently opened a bottle that had been cellared for 2 years with excellent results. The tropical fruit characters have come to the forefront while the acid has mellowed a tad, but the overall balance has actually improved slightly with the alcohol now seamlessly integrated. Good length and yet to peak, though, I would put the drinking window at 2010-2014 now. The score remains a solid 90-pts wine.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca
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