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.
Failla 2010 Alban Vineyard Viognier (Edna Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $42
Few vintners get fruit from the coveted Alban Vineyard, but Failla’s Ehren Jordan does. He takes advantage of the brisk acidity and purity of fruit found in the vineyard’s grapes. Dry and full-bodied, this delivers elaborate tropical fruit, peach, honey and spice flavors.
— S.H.
(8/1/2012)
àMaurice 2010 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- $25
Superconcentrated, unctuous and lush, this mixes a note of lemon drop with a hint of ripe tropical fruit. On the palate, this shows terrific concentration, bearing hints of honey and lemon curd, with a crisp, lingering finish.
— P.G.
(11/1/2012)
Cowhorn 2011 Viognier (Applegate Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $30
Viognier is clearly a strong suit at Cowhorn, a biodynamic vineyard and winery in the Applegate Valley of southern Oregon. The aromatic nose is wreathed in seductive scents of flower and fruit. Flavors are a mix of citrus and stone fruits, with a taste of honey that brings added depth, but not sweetness.
— P.G.
(3/1/2013)
K Vintners 2011 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $30
A single-vineyard wine (though not labeled as such), this was barrel-fermented in neutral French oak and bottled after about four months. Honey and toast are delicate nuances; the minerality and pure expressions of lime and kiwi fruit are at the core. This has excellent grip and medium-term aging potential.
— P.G.
(12/31/2012)
Stottle 2011 Elerding Vineyard Viognier (Yakima Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $24
A precise, detailed and thoroughly exemplary Viognier. It’s both thick and racy, loaded with ripe, rich tree fruits, with lemon drop citrus and a lick of lightly honeyed butterscotch. Luscious and lingering.
— P.G.
(7/1/2013)
Mark Ryan 2009 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- $28
Consistent with past years, this is a vivacious, lip-smacking style of Viognier, with a mix of fruits that goes from grapefruit into papaya, and just about everything in between. Wonderful minerality, persistence, and citrus rind phenolics.
— P.G.
(9/1/2011)
Blair Fox 2010 Paradise Road Vineyard Viognier (Santa Barbara County)
- Editors' Choice
- $29
A rich and flamboyant Viognier. One might even call it majestic. Somehow it combines fabulously ripe, opulent fruit, honey and spice flavors with a savory minerality, leading to a dry finish. A real achievement in California Viognier.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
Fess Parker 2010 Viognier (Santa Barbara County)
- Editors' Choice
- $25
Tremendous honeyed richness in this Viognier, yet as sweet as it tastes, it finishes dry, a magical trick only a great wine can accomplish. Shows all the exotic tropical fruit, wildflower and spice flavors you could ask for in a California Viognier, and never loses its vitality.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
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