Viognier 2022, Bench 1775 Winery

Description from the Producer

Our award-winning Viognier from last year is back, having won Double Gold at the All-Canadian Wine Championships. The new 2022 vintage is already impressing us with its delightful flavors and aromas. Get ready to be captivated by this outstanding Okanagan white. Our 2022 Viognier was produced from 100% Naramata Bench fruit. The Viognier was hand-harvested, pressed, cold fermented with skins separately, and finally blended just before bottling.

The aromatics are intoxicating with notes of ripe peach, apricot skin, juicy mango, and honeysuckle. On the palate, an elegant and linear blend of Okanagan stone fruit is complemented by a hint of honey, vibrant acidity, and a luxurious, full mouthfeel. The wine’s finish lingers, boasting a remarkable length and brightness.

Tasting notes and review by Valerie van der Gracht.

Name: 2022 Viognier
Geographical Indication: BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Varietal: Viognier
Vineyard: Estate vineyard
Alcohol: 12.6%
Residual Sugar: 0.894 g/L
Volume: 750mL

Appearance: A colour of fresh straw, the wine is clear in the glass and quite golden but a light gold.
Nose: Hints of citrus and stone fruit, a tiny bit stinky but that may be the effect of slight oakiness also floral notes with cut grass mixed in. Some hay. A slight aroma of cherries, freshly picked as they start to ripen.
Palate: Pronounced acidity with lingering notes of citrus and some limestone. Medium body with pleasant minerality, herbaceous. I thought perhaps a touch of oak on the palate. 

Quality: 90+ points. Outstanding. Drink now and enjoy!

Food Pairing: I would pair this wine with any white fish or shellfish and crustaceans. It would also pair nicely with creamy, mild cheeses, prosciutto, Queen olives and a fresh baguette.

Valerie’s comment: 

When I find a Viognier that is as pleasing as this one I appreciate the winemaker’s vision of the varietal. For me both Viognier and Chardonnay come with challenges. I find that these are wines that can be too oaky or too herbaceous for me. Wine is meant to be enjoyed and best approached with an open mind when trying one for the first time, or even trying several to find the one that suits you. The fun is in the exploring.