37. Mercer Estates 2013 Culloden Vineyard Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills, $13
Best Buy! Hot vintages such at last year’s can make varieties such as Viognier difficult because the wines can be flabby, but that’s not the case with this example from Jessica Munnell, who’s produced one of the best of the summer and continues her stellar run with aromatic whites. Gorgeous aromas of orange and vanilla cream include fruit cocktail, alyssum and butterscotch. On the pour, it’s akin to a bowl of ambrosia fruit salad, featuring pineapple and Mandarin orange on the midpalate. Somehow, it’s presented dry because impressive acidity offers beautiful balance. The Mercer wines can be found in 46 states, and the Northwest distributor is Southern.
Production: 480 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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