The excellent 2009 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier was made in relatively small quantities and, unfortunately, was a touch difficult to spy at retail level. This year’s version is already widely available and whilst it’s a good wine, it doesn’t manage to scale the same heights.
An inviting nose of peach and flowers with tinned and dried apricots entrenched beneath. Vanilla and ginger highlights with a little musk and orange oil filling out the aromas. Promising. The flavours are good too. It’s supple in the mouth and ginger spice prickles warmly throughout the line. A shame then that it doesn’t really flow as well I’d like it to.
More punch and length are needed through the back palate; the oak adds textural nuance to the variety’s natural oiliness but also seems to stunt proceedings a little at the end. Savoury, creamy lees derived characters are a plus. Look, I like it and it’s decent value at around twenty dollars…but I don’t think it will win over any Viognier sceptics. Good
Region: Eden Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $24.95
Tasted: August 2011