Today I am tasting a interesting varietal, Viognier in the 2008 Reserve Viognier by Oak Grove in California. I found this bottle for under $8. I am going to try very hard to pick out the specific aromas and flavors of this bottle since I think it is a inexpensive way to try a new varietal. Have you already had a Viognier? If so, what did you detect on the nose and palate?
Color
The color in the glass is very light with a hint of green and very little yellow.
The nose of this wine is very strong with lemon and lime prevailing. Viognier is noted for its perfume and floral notes, but I can only detect the citrus on this one.
Flavor
The lime carries through from the nose to the palate on the attack. But it is completely replaced with a very distinctive flavor which is unlike anything I have ever found in a wine. The closest description I can give it is that it tastes like a pineapple liqueur. It is full bodied, similar to Chardonnay, but finishes a little bitter. There is some oak, peach, and lemon present. Overall this is a decent wine to have with food, but I am not too fond of it on its own.
Rating
I think this wine is worth trying and I think I’d like it in a blend with Syrah. But it is definitely not delicious. I rate it 82 points.
