Indeed it is; for example, Yalumba's Barossa Shiraz contains viognier (about 5% in this case) and has for several vintages.
So does their "hand picked" shiraz, which actually mentions the viognier on the front label:
And so, apparently, does De Bortoli's just-released 2002 Gulf Station Shiraz.
- Anthony
Torbreck (Parker's new darling) uses 8% Viognier in their Descendant and about 2% in their Runrig.
Great price for a very fine domestic Viognier. My wine club price is US$18 and I pick up a case whenever I'm in Napa, as the Viognier is not readily available in AZ, though many other of J Phelps' fine wines are.
Hunt
Mark, if you can locate it, Gregory Graham's Napa Viognier is excellent, as is Beckman's from Cent. Coast CA.
Hunt
In Australia, Heathcote Winery's Mail Coach Shiraz has a splash of Viognier, Clonakilla (Canberra) are the reputed 'specialists' (but only available at Cellar Door or mailing list). D'Arenberg have a beautiful 'Laughing Magpie' Shz-Viog blend. These are the standout Shiraz Viognier blends from Oz, (IMHO).
It does however seem that along with the trend/desire of some winemakers to blend in an amount of "Heathcote' fruit, a splash of viognier is also becoming popular. I won't complain, because I definitely love the taste of these Cote Rotie styles.
Regards...Swooper
Thanks for the tips. I'll look for those producers.
Mark Lipton
FWIW, I've enjoyed the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc - Viognier blend. I don't know what the ratio is, but I found it to be a good match with about three appetizers and an entree (sharing with my girlfriend) at the local P.F. Chang's.
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