19 Aug Wine Wednesday: Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Viognier 2012 ($23)

This Week In White Wine Reviews: Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Vineyard Viognier 2012 ($23)

 “ A tart and vivid wine, with lovely concentration and no rough edges.” – Wine Enthusiast

Wine Ratings & Awards

2014 Wine Enthusiast – 91 points

2014 Wine Enthusiast – Editor’s Choice Award

2014 THEGRAPE Grape Certified – Platinum Medal

Wine Review

The 2012 vintage produced impeccable white wines thanks to a near perfect growing season in the Columbia Valley wine region. Both the spring and summer temperatures were relatively cool and remarkably consistent. Early July temperatures were warm and stayed that way through the harvest, which produced small berries packed with intense flavor that matured beautifully.

For the 2012 Stillwater Creek Viognier, winemakers gently pressed the whole cluster to extract the juice: barrel fermentation and sur lie aged for seven months in neutral French oak added complexity to the finished wine as well as heightened the grapes’ wonderful aromatics. Wine Enthusiast described the 2012 vintage Stillwater Creek Viognier as, “a flood of delicious, sweet/sour floral and citrus flavors sweep across the palate, a lush compound of satsuma orange and highlights of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and apricot.”

A perfect spring, summer and fall white wine – drink now! Terrific alone however, we feel the 2012 Stillwater Creek Viognier pairs well with fried chicken or halibut filets; a warm cheesy Jarlsberg grilled cheese or creamy lobster mac and cheese.

Wine Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Wine Grapes: 95% Viognier, 5% Roussanne

Style: Medium-bodied, Balanced & Smooth

Drinks Like: K Vintners Viognier ($26), DuMOL Lia Viognier ($60)

Food & Wine Pairings: Quick & Healthy Halibut Fillets – View Recipe

Bacon Mac & Cheese – View Recipe