Best Buy! Greg Koenig’s first harvest of Viognier from the Williamson family’s vineyard came in the fall of 2001, and this marks his 10th vintage with the white Rhône grape that thrives in the lofty altitude of Idaho’s Snake River Valley. Koenig keeps an extremely close eye on this block near his vinification facility in the Sunnyslope Wine District, and he made the picking call on Sept. 28. That allowed him to present extremely fragrant hints of orange Creamsicle, vanilla, jicama and fresh mint. On the palate, there’s a plush entry of bright tropical fruit, followed by pleasing acidity and finished by Bosc pear and Golden Delicious apple skin tannin. Koenig, who grew up in Sun Valley at his parents’ Knob Hill Inn, suggests serving this well chilled and with grilled salmon or other summertime fare.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 325 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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