The 2009 Viognier is intensely scented of ripe apricots, jasmine, apple tart and warm pears with hints of nutmeg and clover honey. Dry, rich, full bodied and with an appealing suggestion of oiliness to the texture, it has a very good concentration of stone fruit and baking spice flavors, medium-level acid and a long finish. Drink it now through 2013. No known USA importer.

The aromatics on the 2007 Viognier seemed to have closed down since last year’s barrels sample but the palate is better, well balanced with some subtle honeysuckle, rosewater and apricot notes. Delicate and feminine, certainly not an egregious Viognier, well-crafted and certainly very pretty. N.B. Please note that these wines are sold as “Hans Family Estate” in all countries except Australia and New Zealand where it goes under the name of “Hans Herzog Estate.” If you seek enlightenment upon New Zealand’s take on international grape varieties then an afternoon with Swiss-born Hanz Herzog should quench your thirst. These are fascinating wines produced in small quantities and although they can be “hit and miss” affairs, the hits are well worth seeking out and kudos to someone who is thinking ‘outside the box’. After all, how do you know that Zweigelt will not work in Marlborough unless you actually cultivate and bottle it? Note that these wines will simply be branded “Hans” in the USA.Importer: Bond Imports, Inc., Littleton, CO; tel. (303) 948-3712; fax (866) 801-3618; www.winehouse.com