Domaine Cazal-Viel Viognier 1999

Domaine Cazal-Viel Viognier (VdP d'Oc) 1999: Lots of sweet tropical fruit salad on the nose at first, but with a little air it develops classic Viognier aromas of pine kernels and apricots, with a subtle seam of lanolin and spicy, honeyed, buttery new oak. Lots of soft white fruits on the palate, with more spice and honey, but with a sensible, if somewhat rich and glycerine-like texture. It has fairly low acidity, but carries it's 13% alcohol well - in fact it is barely noticeable. There is just a hint of nutty oxidation in the background, but rather than spoil the wine this adds a savoury complexity. This is good stuff, but compared to Condrieu at four times the price it is also a bargain. Good. (31/8/01)