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WTN: Is this cheap Aussie Viognier really this good?

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Saina

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WTN: Is this cheap Aussie Viognier really this good?

by Saina » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:36 pm

I was going to have a glass of Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2007 with dinner (a fish good enough for Jehova! :wink: ) since I thought a heavy white would work and since it was relatively cheap. I ended up having three, since I couldn't believe it was so good. :D I thought this was supposed to have been mass market crap, but 13,50€ apparently can get some pretty good mass market stuff even in Finland...

14,5% abv; 13,51€; 60% used oak; 40% steel, but the oak doesn't smell (gladly).

Greenish gold. Citric, floral scent, obviously Viognier, but very much in an elegant style rather than the style that makes fireworks out of the aromatics. It is even mineral. From the scent, I didn't expect a huge body, but it was still oily but with good supporting acidity. Strangely good - I had to check the label occasionally to see that I am really drinking a cheap Aussie Viognier - but the high alcohol does show a bit on the finish.

Apparently the winemaker who makes one of my favourite cheap Rieslings (Pewsey Vale) is also responsible for this.
I don't drink wine because of religious reasons ... only for other reasons.
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Ryan M

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Re: WTN: Is this cheap Aussie Viognier really this good?

by Ryan M » Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:07 pm

I tasted a Yalumba Viognier a couple years ago, and I agree, it was that good!

Yalumba, Viognier, South Australia 2005
Suprisingly full bodied for Viognier. Lime, peach, and minerals. Great. Really shows what Viognier can do. Store tasting. Excellent (87 - 90) [4/28/07]
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Re: WTN: Is this cheap Aussie Viognier really this good?

by Ian Sutton » Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:54 pm

Otto
Yalumba have become somewhat specialists in the grape. They do a super-premium Virgilius Viognier, which you might want to keep an eye out for (but no promises you'd like it more than the straight Eden Valley bottling).
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Andrew Burge

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Re: WTN: Is this cheap Aussie Viognier really this good?

by Andrew Burge » Sat Jul 04, 2009 3:20 am

Otto,

I support Ian's comments. yalumba are becoming masters of this grape in Australia. As well as the Virgilius, they make an entry level one called "Y". All three of them are great value for what they are,

cheers

Andrew

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