Rhone Whites Delight
Abacela 2011 Estate Umpqua Valley Viognier • $22 (282 cases)
Sweet fruit bursts forth with lively notes of orange and apple dipped in caramel. A hint of minerality adds to this well-balanced beauty whose rich, round flavors persist from start to finish.
Spangler Vineyards 2011 Southern Oregon Viognier • $20 (190 cases)
Forward, fruity aromas lead into a soft yet viscous and full-bodied mouthfeel presenting stone fruit flavors complemented by fresh acidity.
Domaine Trouvére 2011 Rogue Valley Viognier • $20 (100 cases)
The first Viognier release from Lange Estate's second label delights with counterpoints of smoke, pepper, citrus and peach. Minerality adds to a flavor marked by both fresh and complex characteristics.
Zerba Cellars 2010 Columbia Valley Viognier • $20 (120 cases)
Floral and spice entice the nose, while a touch of sweet tangerine and vanilla bring pleasure to the taste. A hint of bergamot mint makes for an intriguing finish.
Hawkins 201l Columbia Valley Viognier • $20 (75 cases)
Crisp green apple greets the nose, while stone fruit and a beautiful balance of acid tantalize the palate. Full-bodied with a long-lasting finish, this white will have you wishing for more.
Cliff Creek Cellars 2011 Southern Oregon Marsanne/Roussanne • $22 (225 cases)
A pretty, floral aroma introduces a lively, full-bodied wine with layers of flavor ranging from sweet pear and apricot to rich honeycomb with smoky overtones. A panel flavor favorite.
Zerba Cellars 2011 Walla Walla Valley Estate Cockburn Vineyard Roussanne • $20 (98 cases)
Come-hither perfume and good acidity complement a rich, round flavor theme combining nutmeg, caramel, vanillin and oak.
Quady North 2011 Rogue Valley Pistoleta White Wine • $19 (232 cases)
Put the three Rhone varieties — Viongnier, Marsanne and Roussane —together in equal parts and what do you get? Pistoleta; which either means a Provencal troubador or a small gun. Take your choice. This pistol sings with lime, herb, lemongrass and pink grapefruit. A soft, round mouth. Nicely balanced. Lingering finish. A better blend.
