Hans Herzog Viognier 2020

Accolades:
94/100 – James Suckling
93/100 – Decanter
92/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
95/100 – Bob Campbell MW (2019 vintage)

“A clarity and brightness to this viognier with sliced peaches, dried mango, chalk and stone with some flint. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and character. Real varietal character. Slightly riper than the 2019. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

“The summery perfume of ripe apricot and peach skin mixes with pleasantly bitter notes of apple pip and cherry stone on the aromatic nose. The palate also combines these two elements and adds a creaminess. All is intense, concentrated and rich, the volume gently supported by oak, but countered by lovely freshness. So much so that the finish is completely mouthwatering.” – Anne Krebiehl MW, Decanter

“The 2020 Viognier is rich and rotund, with lashings of opulent fruit bound in the mouth by ductile tannins. This is a viscose wine, make no mistake, but there is structure here that holds the fruit in check. It is very impressive Viognier from a cool area. (14% alcohol suggests it was left out to ripen for a little longer and to its benefit, one might suggest.) The alcohol lends a savory spice to the wine—like pepper on a meal—and it works here. Matured in French oak for 18 months and sealed under Diam.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Tasting Note: Deep in colour. Head-spinningly rich, gold-brocade-shimmering quince and apricot fruit on the nose with an undertow of sweet spice and honeysuckle. A show stopping bouquet and explosion dripping with honey and exotic fruit, tamed by a lovely earthiness and a tantalizing and teasing fresh acidity. The rich mouthfeel leads to a sumptuous and long lingering finish with finesse. Tasted March 2022.

Winemaking Notes: “The beautiful destemmed and partly crushed berries invited for an extended skins maceration to extract the dazzling flavours. Then gently pressed and transferred into 500 litre French oak puncheons for a natural (wild yeast) fermentation to express it’s terroir and sense of place, with no residual sugar. Its fine lees has been regularly stirred during the first six months, assisting to its remarkable silkiness, complexity and depth. The young wine enjoyed 18 month in the barrel to mature and flourish to a nectar of great enjoyment. No cold stabilization. Unfined and only lightly filtrated to retain the amazing aromas. Naturally beautiful…” – Hans Herzog

Certification: Organic

Alcohol Volume: 14.3%

Variety: Viognier

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand