2008 J Viognier, Hoot Owl Vineyard
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Alc: 14.3%
Price: $30
Haydn gives it: 90pts
You can buy this wine at: J Winery
Ahh the Viognier. It’s an often overlooked grape—with the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay’s of the world commanding so much attention. It’s one of my top picks for whites when I’m out and about (granted I can even find a viognier on the wine list).
The J Viognier is a beautiful and delicate wine. It lightly dances on your taste buds as you consume it. On the nose, you will find a hint of peach and cantelope, with a twist of citrus to go with the two fruit. There is a minor about of acidity here that helps to round out the wine.
On the mid-palate, you continue to find cantelope, but with an additional mix of tropical fruits to go with it. A small hint of kiwi can also be found. The finish is eloquently smooth and luxurious.
This wine went both well with food, and on it’s own. This is a sipping wine for when you aren’t in a hurry. On second thought, this wine is for when you are in a hurry, since it will make you slow down. Don’t rush this white—it’s meant to be savored.
The Viogner is a beautiful contributor to J’s always impressive lineup of whites, including their sparklings. If you’re going to serve food with this, I’d recommend a light salad with an oil-based dressing with at least one kind of nut tossed in. Adding the small mandarin oranges would also pair will with this wine.
At $30, it comes in at a fairly high price for a white. That being said, savor this one and pull it out when the time is right. As for every day drinking, go for the J sparkling, since every day should be a day to celebrate.
Cheers,
Haydn
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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley) looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.
