Who makes it?

The Dreamer Viognier is one of Philip Shaw’s range from Orange, New South Wales. There Shaw has a very stylish cellar door on the outskirts of the town of Orange. He has some of the highest vineyards in Australia, despite being so close to Sydney. The Koomooloo vineyards sit around 900m altitude and there Philip Shaw has been one of the winemakers instrumental in successfully putting Orange, New South Wales, on the wine map.

Although now run by the next generation, the range at Philip Shaw is wide and is acclaimed for its consistent quality. This viognier forms part of the Character Series along with The Architect Chardonnay, The Idiot Shiraz and The Conductor Merlot. This series are all excellent quality and represent remarkable for the value when purchased in Australia. 

How do they make it?

The Dreamer is made to be an easy drinker. It is all about preserving the fruitiness. To this end the team have chosen to pick the viognier grapes just as they are entering ripeness. Viognier has quite the reputation for ripening with high sugar levels which can leave the wines with high alcohol that might throw the balance of the wine out. Picking at the right time ensures the wine keeps its refreshing acid and doesn’t attain high alcohol. Undoubtedly, this is high altitude growing that helps to achieve this. They do keep a balancing slug of sugar in the wine at around 5 – 7 g/l.

What does it taste like?

The nose on this wine has some lifted pepper amongst the apricot fruit. There is also a touch of minerality there too. It is a medium bodied white wine that has a drier finish. It is well balanced and finishes with some spiciness to the stonefruit and apple.

What to drink it with?

This really is a refreshing wine to drink without food. However, this also goes very well with a chicken salad, or a feta cheese parcel. Fish and chips would also be very tasty.

Cheese

Fresh cheeses work well here such as feta and ricotta. Or a brie.

Quickie review « Fruity style of white wine that is fresh to the core!»

Country of Origin: Orange, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2023
Price:  UK £18 | AU $ 25  |USD$ 22++ 
Drink: now 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Viognier, Vermentino or Verduzzo, why not check out:
The veritable story of Viognier, Vermentino & Verduzzo

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