2010 Nine Stones 'Hilltops' New South Wales, Australia Viognier

About This Wine

In 2008, something happened in Australia that likely never will happen in Napa Valley.

It was wintertime, another harvest completed in the Hilltops region of New South Wales’ Great Dividing Range. Nine years earlier, there had been a very Napa-like occurrence: a vineyard was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. But Cabernet had not fared well in that microclimate.

So, the decision was made to replace the Cabernet with another variety — and not even another red variety, but rather the white variety, Viognier. The vines were grafted, and the following summer, they were hand-pruned. Then came the harvest season of 2010, and Nine Stones was able to craft its first bottling of “Hilltops” Viognier.

And what a Viognier it is — fruit-forward, viscous and creamy. Ideal for serving alongside semi-spicy Asian fare or a summer fruit salad, it serves as a classic example of the necessity of (and reward for) growing the right variety in the right setting.

About Viognier

Rare grape of France's Rhone valley. Produces a floral, full-bodied spicy wine. Yields vary widely and it's hard to grow in other places.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Viognier
• Grape Source:Kingsvale Ridge Vineyard in New South Wales, Australia
• Aromas & Flavors:Peach, Melon, Stone Fruit, Citrus, Lychee, Toast, Nuts and a Creamy Finish
• Aging Vessels:4-Year-Old (Neutral) French Oak Barriques
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionsemi-spicy Asian fare, or a fruit salad.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
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  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Glazed Lemon Cookies Desserts can be challenging to match with wines, but when the overriding flavor of the treat is lemon, the possibilities multiply. Try these cookies (this recipe yields about 38 cookies) with Viognier, off-dry Chenin Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Riesling... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe