Craggy Range Viognier Gimblett 09

The first release of Viognier from Craggy Range was the 2007 vintage. Only 130 cases were made then, and the quantity has not increased significantly, as winemaker Rod Easthope has approximately only 1 hectare of Viognier grapes to draw from. The fruit is totally hand-picked and whole bunch pressed before fermentation and maturation in seasoned French oak barriques for 6 months. At 14.2% alc, this is a wine with presence, yet elegance and a sense of delicacy. Brilliant pale straw yellow in colour, this has an intense and wonderfully fresh nose of apricots, ginger and honeysuckle, along with an exotic musk note and nuances of herbs and minerals. Dry on palate, this is very refined and still tightly constructed, with soft grip matched by gently honied and floral fruit notes which are sweet and simultaneously refreshing. The delicacy of its expression is carried through to the long finish. This is very different to the majority of other Viogniers which are hot, alcoholic and clumsy. The wine will be a very good accompaniment to firmer fish dishes and to Parma ham and other cured meats.  RC Apr 10

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