Dobbes Family Estate 2015 Sundown Vineyard Viognier, Rogue Valley, $26
Dundee, Ore., winemaker Joe Dobbes can be viewed as the state’s pioneer with Viognier. It’s a love affair inspired by a 1989 dining experience in Lyon, and it blossomed a few years later with Southern Oregon growers Don and Traute Moore on behalf of Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Griffin Creek brand. This complex Viognier from the Moore family’s Sundown Vineyard near Talent shows the influence of 25% new French oak barrels primarily in the nose as toast leads the way with hints of orange oil, slate and flannel. On the palate, the 75% stainless steel fermentation allows for bright fruit flavors of apricot, apple and peach to radiate. On the long succulent finish are Asian pear and clementine notes. Dobbes suggests serving it with scallops and other shellfish, Tangerine Chicken Salad, spicy Asian fare and a nut-and-cheese plate featuring chèvre, Gouda, Gruyère and cashews.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 400 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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