Valley View Winery

Brothers Mark and Mike Wisnovsky have built the winery started by their father into an important mainstay of Southern Oregon winemaking. In recent years, they and their winemaker Joe Guerrero have produced some of Oregon’s best Viognier wines, bolstering the case that this relative newcomer has a shot at becoming one of Southern Oregon’s signature white wines.

This 2005 example shows forward aromas of fresh-cut peach and pear blossoms with underlying notes of dried grass and apple skin. There is a delicate sense of substance to the nose, as if demanding attention to parse its elements, and as the wine warms in the glass it seems to take on additional flowery tones. On the palate there is the slightly viscous texture typical of good Viognier, which carries full flavors of peach and apricot. On both the nose and tongue there is an appealing subtle burnt edge reminiscent of toasted marshmallow, but without the sugary sweetness. Good backing acidity lends an uplifting note, and the finish is full of peachy tastes.

Southern Oregon Viognier is made in a variety of styles, and has definite vintage variation. 2005 was a strong vintage with some slightly cooler temperatures, but Valley View sources fruit from top growers and has consistently produced Viogniers that show good acidity and lush flavors, such as this wine.

Reviewed April 26, 2007 by Cole Danehower.