Geographe 14.4% Screwcap $28 Source: Sample
Onto another bottle in my never ending quest for ‘The Great Australian Viognier’. This one is fermented with wild yeast, remains on lees for nine months, with 50% sitting in French oak. Sounds promising.
It smells promising too. Fresh apricots sit firmly on top of some tinned ones. Trademark ginger spice, lemon citrus and honeysuckle are right at home. A little melon and apple adds further interest. Lots of ticks there.
The all important mouth feel/texture and flow are all we need now…and it does flow well. Supple acidity, no phenolic issues, no warmth, textural complexity from the oak and lees. Sadly, it all feels a little lifeless though. The palate isn’t quite bright enough and the finish is a touch wishy washy.
It’s an admirable effort that gets a lot of things right though. I’d certainly be interested in seeing what can be achieved in future vintages.
Winery website- http://www.whicherridge.com.au/