2009 Les Acanthes Viognier

Viognier is frequently keeping the beat or playing the rhythm for a big star, like Chardonnay.  That being said, sometimes the wine world lets this uniquely musky varietal play a solo, and really try to shine.  While it doesn’t have the biggest kick of acid, it has a rather round mouth feel, and plenty of stone fruit and musky floral characteristics.  Much like the grenache syrah from a few days ago, Les Acanthes Viognier also hails from France, and could potentially be a Thanksgiving contender.  Does 2009 Les Acanthes Viognier have potential as a Thanksgiving wine, or is it just to unusual without Chardonnay support? 

Sight:  This is probably one of the most amazingly golden wines yet.  It’s just a rich gold, but still lively.

Smell:  There’s a banana vanilla note running through this wine.  It picks up a lot of floral notes like honeysuckle, jasmine, and lilac.  There’s minor melon, papaya, and lemon characteristics as well.

Sip:  This wine has a full body, almost viscous in a way.  The acid is there, but subdued and mild.   It’s not a particularly in your face wine, and leans toward being understated.  Flavor wise, it’s rather calm, vanilla shows up with a lot of lilac, peach, and apricot.  There’s a subtle implication of something spicy, like jasmine or rosemary as well. [A.B.V. 13.5%]

Savor: There’s a touch of lily that floats around, with a hint of vanilla, and a whole flower shop.  It’s marginally like eating a wild flower in the summer.

Overall, 2009 Les Acanthes Viognier is like a bouquet from the florist stuffed in a glass.  The smoothness of the Viognier is nice, and the perfumed nature is beautiful.  While this can complement foods prepared with lots of fresh herbs, it might not be as good a match as Gewurztraminer for the standard Thanksgiving dinner.  People looking for an alternative to Chardonnay might still give this a shot for the meal since it has the right body and oaked style, just a rather different flare than the common Chard.

Verdict:  Bottle full of flowers
Price: $7.99
Vin de Pays d’Oc, France