The upper-tier wines begin with the 2009 Viognier which contains 6% Roussanne in its blend. It was aged sur lie for 5 months in barrel with batonnage. Inviting aromas of tropical and orchard fruits lead to a wine with excellent depth, plenty of spice, and impeccable balance. Drink this excellent value over the next 2-3 years. Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane continue to turn out excellent wines at very fair prices from their Walla Walla-based winery. The current releases, particularly the Syrah cuvees, appear to be their best wines to date. The Calico wines are always terrific values and the new releases are no exception.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

The 2008 Viognier contains 17.5% Roussanne aged sur lie with batonnage for 5 months in 27% new oak. Medium straw-colored, it displays a nose of buttered popcorn, peach, apricot, lemon zest and melon. This is followed by a smooth-textured, concentrated wine with good volume, balance, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next 3 years. Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane continue to turn out excellent wines at very fair prices from their Walla Walla-based winery.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

Bergevin Lane’s newest Viognier seems to reflect some of the difficulties of the 2008 vintage, as noted in the winery’s tasting notes. As a component of the Calico, the Viognier works wonderfully well, but here it is just a little bitter and thin. This is a young white wine that will reward decanting. ——P.G.(12/1/2009)—— 87

The 2007 Viognier contains 8% Roussanne and was fermented and aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak. Medium straw-colored, it has an excellent nose featuring baking spices and pit fruits. Creamy-textured and with well-integrated oak, this flavorful, concentrated Viognier will provide pleasure over the next 2-3 years. Bergevin Lane, located in Walla Walla, continues to make impressive wines at a range of price points. These three value wines are first-class.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

Bergevin Lane has a fine track record with their Viogniers. This new vintage includes grapes from Willow Crest and Lonesome Spring, two excellent growers, and incorporates 11% Roussanne in the final blend. The oak influence is subtle and appropriate, lending a light streak of butterscotch to the finish. There’s an elegant spicy note and overall, it’s a sophisticated, understated, most enjoyable wine.——P.G.(11/1/2007)—— 89