It was with trepidation that I opened a bottle of Viognier de Campuget (Costières de Nîmes) 2003 tonight with some seared scallops and Kenyan kale. (Although some reds survived the searing temps of '03 intact, all of the '03 whites I've tried have been dull-to-flabby). Of course, sucker for viognier that I am, I could not pass up a chance to try this wine, even if with less than 100% confidence
color: pale golden-yellow nose: white peaches and honey palate: crisp entry, honey, apricot, minerals, a slightly creamy texture, a hint of citrus and a rich finish
No worry, kimosabe! This white manages to show fine acidity. If anything, the heat of '03 seems to have added some body to this wine, which in earlier vintages often seemed a bit thin. Still not likely to be mistaken for either a Condrieu or a CA viognier, it manages to balance crispness and richness very well. Not bad for $11!
Mark Lipton