2021 Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier

Brand	Yalumba
Region	Eden Valley, South Australia
Varietal	Viognier
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.0%
Vintage	2021
Country	Australia
Vegan
Vegetarian

Eden Valley Viognier is one of the better kept secrets among NZ wine drinkers, especially when the producer is Yalumba. Right down to their entry-level Y Series, the wines deliver a level of sophistication and finesse well in excess of their asking prices. At the other, far more premium end of the scale is The Virgilius, the pet project of chief winemaker Louisa Rose. This 2021 vintage is the culmination of over 35 years work with the variety, with handpicked fruit off the oldest vines on the best sites. Wild fermented in barrel and matured for 11 months, it’s widely regarded as Australia’s foremost expression of the grape.

Hauntingly aromatic yet showing great restraint, apricot, jasmine, ginger, nashi pear and fennel aromas drift seductively from the glass.

Densely layered with citrus, apricot and peach flavours, the lightly oily texture enveloping the tongue while the fine acidity activates the saliva glands, giving restraint to the luxurious fruit. Not traditionally known as a long-cellaring grape variety, this Viognier shows all the hallmarks of a classic, so will likely reward cellaring for 5-8 years at the very least under its trusty screwcap. Enjoy it with lightly spiced cuisine, from chilli prawns to Asian five-spiced duck.