Viognier Reserve, Lismore Estate Vineyards 2023

The 2023 Viognier Estate Reserve was oxidatively handled aged for 11 months on the lees in 500-liter barrels. Allowing it to open over five minutes, this has a gorgeous bouquet with yellow plum, egg whites, white linen and nectarine, gaining complexity all the time. The palate is well balanced with a bright entry. It’s slightly more citrus-driven than the previous vintage, with real tension and pithiness toward the complex and persistent finish. The 2023 is an outstanding expression of this fickle grape variety. Drink: 2025-2038.