2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud

20111209:
This wine leaned towards being too spicy. 7:58 PM ET

[20120110][20180628 Edit][Part of Wine Tasting - Laurent Miquel]

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2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud

Relevant Links:
http://www.laurent-miquel.com/us/ns-viognier.html
2009 Laurent Miquel Viognier Nord Sud (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Information:

Nord Sud
Viognier
Viognier Nord Sud

Laurent produces his signature aromatic Viognier from selected blocks of mature, naturally low yielding vines at his family estate. Vines are planted in the optimum North-South orientation meaning that the grapes are exposed the gentle warmth of the morning and evening rays but protected from the burning effects of the midday sun. This ensures the conservation of a good acidity levels while the grapes mature gently and evenly. Viognier is still quite rare despite is recent resurge in popularity. It is a difficult grape to grow and gives very small yield of berries with highly concentrated aromas and flavours.

Tasting notes:
This is a deliciously perfumed opulent wine with characteristic aromas of white flowers and 'peche de vigne'. On the palate it is surprisingly elegant for a Viognier with delicate apricot and orange blossom but also some citrus character. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with lobster or crayfish salads or spicy oriental cuisine.

Press extracts
"I am particularly taken by this, their superior Viognier bottling.... Drink it over the next few months to benefit from its entirely authentic honeysuckle and mayblossom flavours while there is also good freshness and attack there too.... To me, this does taste like baby Condrieu, unlike so many Languedoc Viogniers with their suspiciously ersatz aromas.
The Miquels have 26 ha of Viognier now, all planted within three kilometres of Cazal-Viel, and between five and 14 years old. The name of this bottling comes from the north-south orientation of the vine rows which is designed to protect the grapes from the burning effects of the midday sun. Almost a third of the juice, all free run, is barrel fermented but this is not an obviously oaked wine.
I’d serve this wine either as an exotic aperitif or with the sort of zesty salad that does duty as either a first course or a summer lunch. I could imagine it pairing a combination of pear, walnuts and blue cheese rather well."
Jancis Robinson
"Made by one of the Languedoc's star winemakers, this subtle spicy lightly oaked Viognier is an outstanding wine."
Tim Atkin, The Observer

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Website Information: (CellarTracker.com)

Vintage2009
TypeWhite
ProducerLaurent Miquel
VarietyViognier
DesignationNord Sud
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionLanguedoc Roussillon
SubRegionn/a
AppellationVin de Pays d'Oc