“Tim Smith’s deft touch elevates this Eden Valley Viognier onto the shoulders of giants. This is an absolutely superb expression of the variety and if you are yet to dip your toe into these Viognier waters, splash out and start here. What you get for 30 bucks is a steal. Tim Smith should be charging more because this takes it to others in the district who are charging twice the price. But humility is Tim Smith’s middle name and it’s not entirely surprising that he doesn’t charge more than he thinks he needs to. Quite simply, you the consumer are the big winner with his wines across the range. Sourced from two Eden Valley sites, the fruit is barrel fermented and aged on lees for six months in French oak with a small portion being new. Wild yeast fermented and no malolactic fermentation have all added detail and precision to the final package. The sleek and polished presence is what is most impressive. Quite the opposite of weighty and overripe as some Viognier wines can be, instead be wowed by focused fresh apricots, yellow peaches and nectarines with scents of yellow flowers lighting up the stage. Raw cashews add some nuttiness with waves of grated ginger and ginger snap biscuits spice reaching long. Persistent with a decadent width, the freshness of the fruit absolutely sings. What a belter this is. Drink to five years+”

Critic Name: Steve Leszczynski, Qwinereviews.com 2024

Critic Score:95 Points