1998 Mitchelton Viognier Roussanne

Don Lewis has had considerable experience at handling the Rhone varietals at Mitchelton, and over the last 29 years has established a formidable reputation for his styles. Lewis argues that the Rhone varietals have a natural affinity to Nagambie which results in a similar flavour range being developed in the wine.
The Viognier Roussanne blend has been cropped low, with the Viognier yielding 2 tonnes per acre, whilst the Roussanne yields 3 tonnes per acre. The Viognier was harvested to gain maximum aromatics, and then blended with the barrel fermented Roussanne.
Brilliant straw colour. The nose is exotic, but a touch subdued when compared with Yalumba’s Virgilius. Aromas of spice, lychee, hints of tropical fruit, peach and guava. The palate is in the process of evolving, give the wine another year to fill out and display classic Viognier complexity. Flavours of spice, mango, guava and lychee are married to a honey back palate. Perfect balance, clean crisp acidity, followed by an aftertaste of spice, lychee and honey. Cellar 1-2 years.

RATING 91/100

VALUE XXX/5