2021 Y Series Viognier
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,169 g. 100% spontaneous fermentation. Screwcap. The PR’s sticker on the bottle and the paperwork said this was 2022, but the bottle label said 2021, so I’ve assumed it’s vintage 2021. Quite a savoury nose – roasted sweetcorn – with a bit of hawthorn blossom over that. Unexpectedly firm acidity, which feels added, because you can really feel it as a separate component on the end, and the mid palate feels flabby. It tastes of peaches and an oddly sweet, beany note that reminds me of caramelised-onion hummus. Pretty basic, commercial wine. I was hoping for something a little more exciting based on the fact that goes through ‘100% wild yeast fermentation’. I wonder why they're not selling the 2023 vintage. Needs to be served very, very chilled. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,166 g. Screwcap. Spontaneous fermentation. Lightly peachy on the nose, well-balanced apricot fruit on the palate. There is good acidity here (a tiny ring of bubbles around the neck of the wine and the faintest sensation of spritz – I'm wondering if a little bit of carbon dioxide is contributing to the sensation of acidity and freshness?). Good drinkability and really delivers at its price point. (TC)
Limpid straw-yellow. Sharply defined citrus and pit fruit aromas pick up floral and spice accents with air. Juicy and light on its feet, offering sappy white peach, tangerine and melon flavors that deepen slowly through the back half. Finishes long and silky, with lingering floral and spicy ginger notes.
The Y Series is a value-for-money brand within the very large Yalumba portfolio, and a selection of these wines routinely offer pretty decent drinking. This 2021 Y Series Viognier is tart and fresh, with a fierce line of acidity that streaks through the heart of it. Tropical fruit is framed by spring flowers. It's uncomplicated.
About the producer
Based in the tiny village of Angaston in the Barossa, South Australia, Yalumba is the country's oldest family-owned winery. The estate produces a broad range of wines from entry-level to ultra-premium, such as The Caley.