Charlemagne Wine Club - 2003 Tastings

Monday 14th April 2003
Côte Rôtie & Syrah–Viognier with David Carter
The wines from the “roasted slopes” of Côte Rôtie have long been considered amongst the finest in the Northern Rhône . Situated close to Condrieu where Viognier is queen, the long established custom of adding a small amount of the white Viognier to the Syrah evolved in the 19th century and it is generally accepted that this small percentage of Viognier adds an elegance and extra floral dimension to the bouquet.
New World producers in South Africa and Australia who were looking for new dimensions for their ripe Shiraz flavours looked to the traditions of the Rhône and began to plant experimental parcels of Viognier.
Inspired by Marcel Guigal’s single vineyard blends of Côte Rôtie, Tim Kirk started to include a small amount of Viognier in his 1992 Shiraz. The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is now recognised as one of the premier boutique wines of Australia. .
Daniel de Waal was the first in South Africa to produce his Shiraz in the style of the Northern Rhône by fermenting the Shiraz on the lees of Viognier. The ball is beginning to roll. .
How do the new boys on the block compare with the “old world” ? Why not come along and make your own mind up ?.
The likely line up includes: .
Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2001 (South Australia); Homtini Shiraz 2000(Paarl - S.A.); Uiterwyk Estate Shiraz 1999(Stellenbosch - S.A.); d’Arenberg ‘Laughing Magpie’ 2001(MacLaren Vale - South Australia); Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2001 (Canberra District - ACT); Côte Rôtie 1998 René Rostaing; another Côte Rôtie 1998.