Qupe Wine Cellars

Long time Rhone Ranger vintner, Bob Lindquist of Qupé Wine Cellars, has been at the forefront of experimentation with Rhone varietals in California. Over a decade ago, he hit upon the idea of combining Viognier with Chardonnay; while the percentage of each varietal in the blend has changed over the years, in recent vintages he’s settled on an even amount of each.

As tasty as this combo is, it’s a wonder that more Rhone style oriented winemakers haven’t produced this unusual white wine blend. Perhaps Lindquist has just found the right vineyard sites in Santa Maria Valley that really make it work in the bottle.

The 2005 version has incredible aromatics with white florals, citrus, ripe peach and a sense of minerality apparent. The flavors are equally compelling with citrus, apricot, pear, pineapple, peach skins as well as delicate florals and an undertone of wet stones. It really does have that much going on and it’s all going on in harmony on the palate; like a diamond with many facets, this blend easily reveals multi-dimensional flavors. The texture is silky and rich with just the right weight on the palate, while a finely honed spark of acidity on the finish keeps things fresh and lively, inviting another sip.

And here’s the real deal: all this deliciousness for only $18. These days, it’s hard to find a premium Chard for that price and you sure as heck aren’t going to find a top Viognier for that tariff. Here you get ‘em both, in a unique combo, for one low priced admission.

Reviewed October 4, 2006 by Dennis Schaefer.