By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
You don't see much viognier on Long Island and what is grown here usually ends up as a small percentage (20% or less) of local white blends, especially at Bedell Cellars, where it plays a supporting role in three different wines.
But at Martha Clara Vineyards, it's bottled by itself every year, making for a unique opportunity to taste this grape.
Martha Clara Vineyards 2008 Viognier ($18) bursts with white flowers on the nose with layers of honey, peach, cantaloupe and lemon balm.
Medium-to-full bodied, the palate is peachy and floral with a little tropical fruit character. The mouthfeel is slightly rich with a bit of a glycerin feel that is cut and balanced by very fresh acidity. The finish is medium-long but does show some citrus pith bitterness.
Producer: Martha Clara Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13.3%
Harvest Brix: 22.5
Production: 560 cases
Price: $19*
Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)