Eden Valley 14.5% Screwcap $49.95
Tim Kirk’s Clonakilla Viognier and Louisa Rose’s Virgilius have always been the two wines which have best captured the potential of the variety within this country for mine…and up until now, the Clonakilla has had the slightest edge over Yalumba’s expression. The 2009 Virgilius may just see this situation change.
Amongst the varietal opulence is even greater finesse and structure than we saw in the excellent 2008 release. This has a tautness to it that suggests that it may age better than any Australian Viognier I’ve tasted. The acidity is sublime and the wine is almost coiled at this stage of its evolution.
The cut and thrust of citrus is in balance with a relatively understated apricot character; as much kernel as flesh. Ginger and clove present both on the nose and palate and there is an intriguing note of jasmine tea underneath the more recognisable honeysuckle aromas. It finishes long, with toasted nuts, orange rind and generous spice.
All class now and with the potential to develop into something even more special. An entrancing wine.
Winery website- http://www.yalumba.com/
Which reminds me, I must try this wine. And I agree too on the regard you hold Clonakilla's viognier.
Cheers
Sean