Chaff Mill Viognier

{Awards Tally}

Gold Medals 5
Silver Medals 5
Bronze Medals 9

{Tasting Notes}

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Vineyard Range Chaff Mill Viognier

{THE FRUIT}

The fruit for the Chaff Mill Viognier is sourced from Grant’s premium vineyards in both the Eden and Barossa Valley. The blend of the cooler Eden fruit and the Barossa floor provides a beautiful balanced and well rounded – food friendly Viognier. The 2008 vintage began earlier than expected but with just below average rainfall throughout the year. Although the well documented heat wave occurred in mid March in the middle of vintage, the fruit for our white wines had already been picked and therefore was not affected by the extreme weather. The fruit produced wine of intensity and delicacy required for first-class Viognier.

{THE WINEMAKING}

After crushing, the juice was cold settled and racked, with varying degrees of solids returned prior to fermentation, where a combination of indigenous and cultured yeasts was added. 90 % of the juice was then transferred to two and three year old French oak barrels to complete fermentation, with the remaining 10% fermented in tank to retain freshness. The wine was maturated on lees with regular batonage for four months to increase the complexity and creaminess of the wine for maximum varietal flavour and optimum balance.

{THE COMMENTS}

The 2008 Chaff Mill is medium straw in colour with pale green hues, and shows delicate aromas of ripe stone fruits, apricot and peaches with hints of exotic spices, and honeyed tones. The palate is enticing with green melons and more subtle apricot and orange blossom flavours. A rich and creamy mouthfeel, which is balanced with good acidity and a long satisfying finish. Viognier is very much a food wine, a great match with richly flavoured dishes such as chicken, mushroom and red onion fettuccini with a white wine cream sauce and strongly flavoured cheeses.

{THE REVIEWS}