Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 The Estates Clifton Vineyard Viognier, Wahluke Slope, $22
While the prior vintage blended Talcott and Clifton vineyards, this signals a focus on Clifton, a site on the west end of the slope and not far from Butch Milbrandt’s kitchen. The harvest on Sept. 13 and Joshua Maloney’s program of neutral oak creates aspect of tropical fruit aromas with jasmine, dusty pear, lemon meringue and light toast. The approach to the palate is pleasingly rounded with white peach and apricot, yet there’s juicy acidity and food-friendly peach pit bitterness in the finish. Consider serving this with shellfish or basa, but Butch also enjoys it alongside Tuscan Ravioli with Italian Sausage as part of his Pair This cooking demonstration series.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 660 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Mary Ellen says
Recently, I’ve had a Thurston Wolfe Viognier and Pinot Gris blend that was spectacular! We’re growing both varietals here at Olalla Vineyard & Winery and we’re going to try that blend as well. Our Viognier does well here in Western Washington.
Pepper Fahr says
Coyote Canyon and Martinez Martinez in Prosser have always had delightful Viogniers for me.