Winemaker Notes
After some bottle ageing d'Arenberg's The Last Ditch Viognier should develop in color to a richer bright gold. The aroma should also develop in complexity to become dominated by yellow peaches and tropical fruits but all still supported by rose, spices and ginger on the nose and palate. In the mouth, an older Last Ditch Viognier will maintain peach and fresher fruit based flavor but also be distinguished with a fine edge of acidity and a rolling, lengthy and penetrating finish for quite some considerable time.
Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.