Tasting Notes: 2002 Spencer Roloson Viognier

Viognier. I first heard about this (at the time) relatively unknown grape years ago when my aunt (whose name is Pam by the way) read somewhere that it would be "the next big white" and passed along the information.

Long Island doens't have many, though one of them, from Bedell Cellars, is good. Other than that, I've only tasted a couple in passing, which is why I asked Alder at Vinography to suggest some of the best he's had so that I can introduce myself to the grape a bit. Haven't bought them yet, but I will.

Nena and I opened this Spencer Roloson release while helping her parents prepare for their annual post-Xmas bash.

Eyes: Light straw yellow with an ever-so-light greenish tinge at the edges

Nose: I got  aromas of anjou pear, honey and golden delicious apples. One of the other tasters identified "like biting into a slightly unripe red plum."

Tongue:  The honey and anjou pear persisted with decent acidity through the mid-palate but too much alcohol made this wine hot at the end. The heat really threw the balance off completely.

Price: $26

Food: I would think that something rich and creamy (alfredo sauce maybe?) would help cut through the high alcohol and mellow the wine out some.

Overall: A little disapointing. I loved the nose and the early flavors...but the heat on the back end really charred the experience. So far Spencer Roloson is batting .500 with the third (Tempranillo) and clean-up (Syra) wiones still to be tasted.

Comments

[Andrew Barrow]

I am actually drinking a Viognier this evening - a cheap one from Argentina - nice enough but nothing special and not worth a TN.

I can not really see Viognier ever being the next big thing. Pinot Gris (outside of Italy) is my best bet.

Southern France is producing some good - not great though - examples. Argentina is worth a look too. Of course what we get here in the UK is not going to be the same as with you. (The balance between the floral aspects, weight and alcohol seems to escape many winemakers.)

Although it is not updated very often www.viognier.co.uk is worth an investigation.

[Lenn]

The "next big thing" was based on one article she read touting it...and this was maybe 8 - 10 years ago...long before I really knew (or cared much) about wine.

I've had some tasty Pinot Gris from Oregon...I guess only time will tell if there even will be a "next great thing."

I'd like to see Riesling or Gewurtz make a move up...but for all the right reasons...not the wrong ones (they can be made in a sweet style)

[AL]

I love Smoking Loon's 2003 Viognier. The bouquet is amazing :)