Gabriëlskloof, Viognier 2009, Bot River, South Africa

Tasting Note: An aged viognier offers the best of all worlds – aromatics, complexity and flavor intensity backed by high acidity that makes it able to hold up to steep expectations.

Deep-intensity gold in color, this wine has a nose golden-yellow fruit including some subtle notes of mango, green apple compote, orange-and-lime-citrus peel and blossom.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied viognier delivers midpalate complexity and flavor intensity galore.

Bottle Note: Gabriëlskloof winery is in the Bot River ward at the gateway to the Walker Bay District, where the prevailing southerly winds from the nearby Atlantic Ocean create a mesoclimate perfectly suited to the low-yielding vineyards. Gabriëlskloof’s handcrafted limited-production wines are true to this terroir, and elegantly express the unique character of this exciting new ward. Gabriëlskloof viognier is true to our tradition of understatement. Made using only the best fruit, it is fermented in 300- and 400-liter oak casks, and matured for six months. The grape’s distinctive sweet spiciness is followed on the nose by a hint of vanilla and potpourri. The palate rounds off with lemon blossom scent and a firm minerality.