Wine of the Week: 2020 Cristom Vineyards Louise Vineyard Viognier

Cristom Vineyards in Oregon is best known for its pinot noir, and rightfully so. The winery makes several of them, including a series of single-vineyard wines. But you shouldn’t overlook this delightful viognier from the Louise Vineyard in Cristom’s estate in the Eola-Amity Hills appellation of the Willamette Valley.

Viognier can be tricky. I’ve had underripe versions that taste like bad sauvignon blanc. Probably more common are the very ripe, overbearing examples. This Cristom wine, priced at $30, strikes just the right balance. It’s floral and delicate, with white fruit like peach and pear, accented by some creaminess. A crisp, elegant wine that you can pair with a range of lighter foods.