Price Drop: Viognier 2021 - Beat The Clock Deal #64396

Viognier is notoriously difficult because it's prone to low yields and requires precise timing for harvest - pick too early and you lose the variety's signature aromatics, too late and acidity plummets. This 2021 vintage actually benefited from tiny yields, which concentrated the flavours and allowed the winemaker to craft something truly elegant. The Mornington Peninsula's cool climate helps maintain that crucial acidity balance that keeps this wine fresh rather than heavy.

Whole-bunch pressing is a gentle extraction method where grapes are pressed without crushing, minimising harsh tannins and preserving delicate aromatics. For this Viognier, it's particularly important because the variety can easily become overly rich and lose its finesse. Combined with the immediate transfer to seasoned French oak puncheons, this technique helps create that silky texture while maintaining the wine's elegant character rather than producing something heavy or extracted.

The extended oak maturation in seasoned French puncheons adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit - seasoned oak is less aggressive than new barrels, allowing Viognier's natural stone fruit and floral characteristics to integrate beautifully. This lengthy maturation period also helps develop that gorgeous silky texture mentioned in the tasting notes. The oak provides subtle vanilla and spice notes while the puncheon size (larger than standard barrels) ensures gentle, slow integration of flavours.

Mornington Peninsula's maritime climate provides the perfect balance for Viognier - warm enough to develop the variety's characteristic aromatics and richness, yet cool enough to retain crucial acidity. The region's afternoon sea breezes help slow ripening, allowing flavour development while preserving freshness. This climate influence is evident in how this wine maintains elegance and finesse rather than becoming the heavy, overly alcoholic style that Viognier can produce in warmer regions.

The wine's citrus, pear and rose petal notes, combined with its silky texture and medium body, make it perfect for dishes with subtle spice and rich textures. Think roasted chicken with herbs, creamy seafood risotto, or Asian cuisine with coconut-based sauces. The finely tuned acidity cuts through rich foods while the oak-influenced complexity can handle more substantial dishes than typical crisp whites, making it versatile for both casual dining and special occasions.