It is the first time I have seen a Chardonnay Viognier blend. The less oak that touches the Viognier the better. In this case the blend is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Viognier. Part of the Chardonnay was fermented in oak and the rest in stainless steel while all the Viognier was fermented in stainless steel. The Viognier is intended to gently influence the Chardonnay. Does it work?
On the nose the apple, pear and guava of the Chardonnay is tempered ever so lightly by the peach, apricots and tangerine of the Viognier. The nose does not exactly lead to the conclusion of wine with strong identity but is there some magical transformation on the palate? Unfortunately the palate is flat and thin and it is as if the blend is irrelevant as neither of the grapes asserts any identity of the weak kneed finish. It is a disappointment to Chardonnay and Viognier aficionados.
(Vistamar Corte de Campo Coastal Blend 2018, D.O. Casablanca Costa Valley, Viña Vistimar, Pelequén, Chile, $16.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 541003, 750 mL, 13%, RKS Wine Rating 82/100).
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