Cinder Wines 2014 Off-Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley, $18
Melanie Krause’s winemaking skill led to her amassing eight gold medals at the Idaho Wine Competition earlier this fall, and while her Dry Viognier earned best of class, this Off-Dry Viognier showed deliciously, too. A product of Sawtooth and Williamson vineyards, she makes the pick as much as two weeks beyond the harvest for her dry version. That’s a major reason why it smells akin to nectar in the glass with aromas and flavors of peach, Bartlett pear, honey and pineapple. The finish of lemon pie and touch of residual sugar (1%) make it a hit at the tasting bar in Garden City and serves as a nice introduction to this white Rhône variety that does so well in the Snake River Valley. At Cinder, they suggest serving this with a sushi roll or Crab Rangoon.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 390 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Jeff Swanson says
Try the Eugene Wine Cellars B2 Viognier. Beautiful bouquet of springtime flowers, luxurious mouthfeel and a crisp finish. Only $18.