WTN: Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006

South Australia.

Dark purple. amost black, in the glass.

Peach and floral on the nose.

Quite floral, peachy. light to medium bodied, tangy, spicy. I have never understood the attraction of this blend, as the Viognier always overwhlems the Shiraz, IMHO.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased at $14.15 (Canadian).

South Australia.

Dark purple. amost black, in the glass.

Peach and floral on the nose.

Quite floral, peachy. light to medium bodied, tangy, spicy. I have never understood the attraction of this blend, as the Viognier always overwhlems the Shiraz, IMHO.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased at $14.15 (Canadian).

Bruce,
In Cote-Rotie, Viognier is cofermented with the Syrah to improve extraction and color fixation. There are apparently enzymes in white grapes that break down the skins of the red grapes and improve extraction. As Cote-Rotie is the northernmost extension of the N. Rhone, syrah is most marginal there and so was in the most need historically of help. Why they do it in S. Australia is anyone's guess, though.

Mark Lipton

We popped a bottle tonight ($10.99 NH Liq Store). We have enjoyed this wine in past vintages, and enjoyed it as much or more than Bruce did. A very reliable wine year in and year out.

We matched it with charcoal grilled (no rain) lamb steaks that had been marinated in mint and lemon mayonnise; yellow squash nuked with onion, EVOO, s&p, fine herbs, and grated parmesean; and baked potato.

I had a similar blend, Zonte`s Footstep at the Grill.... not for me, even though I am a viognier fan!

Why they do it in S. Australia is anyone's guess, though

Beats me. Give me an old fashioned shiraz-grenache blend any day.

Matilda

Sure glad that nobody has any luke warm feelings about this wine. Have to admit we were sceptical at first, but on a recommendation we tried it, and liked it.