Viognier
Viognier is a fragrant, powerful white grape grown in Languedoc-Roussillon and the Rhône Valley of France. It is the only grape allowed in Condrieu; elsewhere in the Rhône it is typically blended with other white grapes such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Rolle (or Vermentino), or blended as a small percentage into Côte Rôtie. It is also grown in other countries including Australia and the United States. Viognier is well-known for producing wines with distinct floral aromas and assertive stone fruit flavors. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Viognier among our extensive Viognier wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Viognier reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Viognier, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 1,255
Alban 2000 Costello T.B.A. Viognier (Edna Valley)
- $65
Glugs out of the bottle as thick as mineral oil, a hint to the viscous texture. Don’t chill this too much, because it will stun the intensely rich botrytis and apricot preserves aromas, with their edge of wild honey and cinnamon. The ultimate impression is in the mouth, where the apricot and pear tart flavors drink like a nectary syrup, but are relieved with…
— S.H.
(6/1/2003)
Sanguis 2008 Fractured Flowers Viognier
- $60
This 100% Viognier was grown in the Bien Nacido Vineyard. It’s bone dry, crisp in acidity and firm in wet stone minerals, while the rich fruit flavors suggest fresh, juicy citron, quince and sweet lime. Just wonderful, a bracing, pure, clean and pure example of a variety that can often be fussy.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
Arrowood 2009 Saralee’s Vineyard Viognier (Russian River Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $30
A brilliant, completely satisfying Viognier that shows its sunny California terroir in the ripe lemon, peach and mango flavors. It finishes dry, with a steely minerality, like stones and cold metal. Just gorgeous, one of the finest California Viogniers ever.
— S.H.
(7/1/2012)
Domaine Georges Vernay 2003 Les Terrasses de l’Empire Viognier (Condrieu)
- $60
Condrieu doesn’t have to be overpowering, as Vernay, a master of Viognier, demonstrates in this wine. Aromas of almonds, flavors of fresh apricots and white peaches, a lively, vibrant acidity blend well into a poised, elegant wine. It seems to last for ever in the mouth.
— R.V.
(2/1/2005)
Failla 2006 Alban Vineyard Viognier (Edna Valley)
- $35
Shows a control and nobility that’s rare in California Viogniers, and you have to attribute that to the vineyard, as well as Ehren Jordan’s winemaking skill. Dry and deftly oaked, the wine has a brilliant balance of acidity and fruit, with creamy flavors of peaches, grilled pineapples, honeysuckle flowers and vanilla-cinnamon. Just stunning in its intensity, one of…
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Failla 2008 Alban Vineyard Viognier (Edna Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $39
Pristine is the word that comes to mind. Also pure, transparent, lucid. It’s bone dry and crisp and elusively complex in citrus, pear, mineral and floral aromas and flavors, subtlely enhanced with oak. Only 45 cases were produced, but it’s worth the search.
— S.H.
(6/1/2010)
Abacela 2009 Blanco Dulce Viognier (Umpqua Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $30
This late-harvest Viognier is so dense, so lush with aromas, that it defies description. Flowers, candied fruits, caramel, vanilla, English breakfast tea, even a bit of tobacco—this is one of those wines that just keeps on going. Fascinating, rich, yet vibrant with excellent acidity, this is a wine that any dessert wine lover should experience.
— P.G.
(10/1/2010)
Failla 2009 Alban Vineyard Viognier (Edna Valley)
- $39
Ehren Jordan once again dips into this cult vineyard for his Central Coast Viognier, with spectacular results. The grape pedigree is evident in the intense ripeness, suggesting tropical fruits, green apples and pears, and the acidity, which is brisk and clean. A brilliant evocation of Viognier to drink now.
— S.H.
(7/1/2011)
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