Armstrong Family Winery 2015 Lawrence Vineyards Viognier, Columbia Valley, $22
The Armstrong family works with the Lawrence family’s Corfu Crossing Vineyard and its 2008 planting of Viognier at 1,500 feet elevation along the Royal Slope north of Wahluke Slope. One of Washington’s highest vineyards seems to make sense for Viognier as winemakers chase ripeness while maintaining acidity in this finicky white grape from France’s Rhône Valley. Tim Armstrong fermented this lot in 40 percent new French oak for 10 months, allowing for aromas of Bosc pear, lemongrass and orange Creamsicle. There’s a match of those on the palate, which offers complexity as pleasing roundness transitions to a finish of lemony acidity and a shaving of pear skin.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
Leave a Reply