Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2020 Viognier - 89pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2020 Viognier (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here (new vintage available)
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2023

@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: The Burrowing Owl Viognier is both (nearly) full-bodied and crisp thanks a lovely balance of weight and acidity. Consistent with recent vintages, you'll find the characters of Asian pear, honeydew melon, papaya, hard peach, citrus and spice on the subtle, aromatic nose and the aforementioned, well-balanced palate. Ready to enjoy now or hold for up to another two years. Drink 2023-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 20219 Viognier - 89pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Viognier (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here (new vintage available)
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2022

@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: A pleasantly aromatic and vibrant Viognier with a nose that offers blossom, melon, Asian pear and a medley of orchard fruit followed by a mouth-watering, full-ish palate with similar flavours and an impressive wave of spice and citrus on the bright finish. Ready to go now thanks to 3 years of ageing. Drink 2022-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2021 Viognier - 86pts

La Frenz Winery 2021 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Ripe, candied fruit open the beautiful nose of this melon-scented, off-dry blend of 85% Viognier and 15% Chardonnay. Though the honeydew acidity shows through, the 12g/l of residual sugar and creamy glycerin creates a slightly, unbalanced finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Viognier - 88pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.57-21.74 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 120 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The first Viognier release for Upper Bench which follows the playbook used for most of their white wines; a long, cool, stainless steel ferment with a focus on a crisp, vibrant expression of the varietal, which, in the case of this Northern Rhone variety, comes with some natural richness, a touch of minerality and a lovely profile of Tropical and Melon fruit on the nose and palate. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Viognier - 88pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Viognier (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Offers good typicity for the variety with exotic Tropical and sweet orchard fruit represented on the nose and palate with added ginger, mineral and spice notes throughout. Lighter in body and length this year, by just a touch, yet, finishes with a satisfying snap of crisp, nectarine acidity. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Viognier - 89+pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Viognier (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Black Hills have dialed in their Viognier program delivering a focused wine with both plump, Tropical fruit and lean, refreshing citrus characters that make it a great pairing for rich, spicy soups and seafood dishes. Look for subtle notes of white flowers on the pleasant nose and fresh, tangy apricots on the palate. The finish is long with lingering clove and aniseed spice. Could improve with further cellaring. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2016 Viognier - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2016 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 900 cases
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A nice example of the Rhone Valley grape showcasing its unique blend of body, crisp citrus backbone, spice and exotic fruit. This year's release is blended with 5% Pinot Gris, sees no oak and is sourced from two vineyards, one along the Naramata Bench and the other near Osoyoos. Finishes long with lingering lemon/lime zest notes and a touch of spice. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Made from grapes sourced from Osoyoos and Oliver vineyards, this 'budget' Viognier opens with ripe pear and candied orchard fruit aromas and a hint of oak and lees notes from 35% of the juice fermenting in oak barrels. The palate is ever-so-slightly off-dry with both rounded apricot and nectarine fruit and edgy, citrus and hard white peach flavours; a contrast of textures that mostly works. Mineral, citrus peel and herb notes linger on the moderate, slightly sharp finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Liquidity Wines 2015 Viognier - 91pts

Liquidity Wines 2015 Viognier (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 592 cases
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied Viognier sourced from Okanagan Falls and Similkameen Valley vineyards and fermented in small stainless steel vats with some textured extracted from extended contact with the skins. Rich on the nose and palate with aromas of melons, tropical fruit and unpasteurised honey and flavours of papaya, peaches, apricots and grapefruit. Though juicy and plump in the mouth, the finish is clean and refreshing with ample acidity and a touch of lingering spice on the long finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Viognier - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: July 6th, 2016
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A lovely blend of 85% Viognier, 10% Gewurztraminer and 5% Pinot Gris sourced from Osoyoos and Naramata Bench vineyards with generous orchard and tropical fruit aromas and flavours supported by wisp of mineral notes on the aromatic nose and a mouth-watering, citrus fruit backbone keeping the lush palate in balance. Off-dry and nearly full bodied, though, clean and crisp with a touch of spice and grapefruit on the moderate finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Viognier - 92pts

JoieFarm 2014 Viognier (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $27.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 143 cases
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A new edition to the JoieFarm portfolio and affixed with a shiny, new label, this is a supple and supremely well-balanced Viognier loaded with apple, honeydew, ripe peach, apricot and citrus flavours. On the nose are similar melon and orchard fruit aromas enhanced by sweet, floral notes and hints of exotic, tropical fruits.

About 85% of the wine was barrel fermented in neutral French oak with the remaining juice fermented in stainless steel. None of the barrels went through a secondary, malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity, leaving a firm acidic component to the otherwise, richly textured, (mostly) off-dry palate. The finish is long and thirst-quenching with a touch of lingering citrus peel and fuzzy peach candy notes. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 Viognier - 87pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Viognier (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 425 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A tropical fruit-infused Viognier with boundless energy on the generous nose and full-bodied, slightly-hot palate. Look for papaya, kiwi, pear and peach aromas and flavours with balance coming from a good kick of citrus acidity and mineral notes on the finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2014 Viognier - 88pts

Calliope Wines 2014 Viognier (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: The Calliope Viognier offers great balance and texture for a fantastic >$20 price - unmatched value for the varietal in the Okanagan Valley. A nice blend of orchard and tropical fruit grace the generous nose and the mouth-watering, full-bodied palate. Look for ripe melons and white peaches with refreshing citrus acidity and mineral notes to compliment the tropical and orchard fruit characters. Light spice lingers on the finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2013 Viognier - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2013 Viognier (East Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 127 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd 2014

Tasting Notes: On par with the firm's excellent 2010 edition, this is an exotic Viognier with layers of tropical fruit and loads of tangy, yeasty texture that grips both your palate and attention. 

Via the subtle nose you'll breath in aromas of ripe papaya, lemon/lime and cool minerals while the concentrated palate offers good continuity and similar characters. Plump and full, upon entry, thanks to the lush, tropical fruit flavours, partial oak ageing and the 5 months the wine spent "sur-lees" post-fermentation, meaning it remained in contact with its spent yeast particles, imparting warm brioche notes and enriching the mouth feel. 

Balance is maintained with juicy, ripe lemon acidity, keeping the finish mouth-watering and long with lingering spice. Delightful. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2013 Viognier - 84pts

Gold Hill Winery 2013 Viognier (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery gate. Website info here
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Opulent, melon, pear and tropical fruit aromas open this uneven Viognier whose watery texture and lack of complexity fail to balance the (almost) 15% residual alcohol, leaving the palate feeling 'hot' and out-of-synch from the pleasant nose.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Serendipity Winery 2013 Viognier - 89pts

Serendipity Winery 2013 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2014
@Winespiration

Tasting Notes: A lovely example of the Rhone Valley variety presented in a balanced, New World, fruit-forward style with plenty of tropical and orchard fruit complimented by mineral notes and the fullness of extended lees contact. Alcohol is handled delicately, blending in seamlessly, while a hit of lemon peel acidity keeps the palate fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Perseus Winery 2013 Viognier - 88pts

Perseus Winery 2013 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2014
@PerseusWine

Tasting Notes: Distinguishes itself from other richly textured, tropical fruit-driven Viogniers with a cool, steely vein of minerals on the pineapple and white peach scented nose and the juicy/tangy palate. At 14.5% residual alcohol, this is not a wine for the faint of heart - it will brighten your cheeks. The fullness of the mouth feel helps manage the alcohol and enhances the length of the finish where citrus rind and steel notes linger. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A nice blend of orchard and tropical fruit grace the subtle, subdued nose of this Viognier from Burrowing Owl's 2nd label, Calliope. The easy-drinking, slightly 'hot' palate is full-bodied with a plump texture and flavours of ripe, melons and peaches with some citrus acid attempting, and mostly succeeding, to tone down the 'plump'. Moderate finish is watery with a noticeable kick of lingering spice. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Viognier - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Viognier (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow Viognier returns after a one vintage absence and captures the intensity of the 2012 growing season with its boisterous, tropical fruit-infused nose and mouth-watering palate. Minerals and orchard fruit add complexity, though, the 2012 doesn't quite reach the depth of the more effortlessly layered and ultra-lux 2010 edition. A long, tart finish with lingering oak and fat, brioche flavours leaves a lasting impression. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Viognier I - N/R

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Viognier I (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery gate. Website info here
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 15.2%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Though it opens with a sweet, pleasant nose of ripe, racy pineapple fruit this Viognier suffers from an intense perception of alcohol on the lean palate that overwhelms the light mineral and orchard fruit flavours. More residual sugar and a firmer acid structure was needed here to create balance.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca