Had a couple of lovely bottles of New Zealand Wine for my birthday recently – a fab Viognier from Marlborough and a brilliant aged Pinot Noir from Banks Peninsular in Canterbury.

The Domaine Georges Michel 2009 Viognier from Marlborough was absolutely delicious. Made by Swan Michel, the grapes were basket pressed into barrels to ferment and mature where it underwent 100% natural malo-lactic fermentation – it was aged in a mix of new and seasoned oak for 8 months before being bottled.

In the glass it had golden hues, rich and floral in the nose with a hint of oak, on the palate full bodied and luscious, smoky citrus / apricot and again some nice oak textural elements with a long moreish finish. I’m really starting to like Viognier as a variety and hope to try a few more to broaden my palate.

14.5% Alc/V, NZ$26.50

For more information check out the Domaine Georges Michel website or better still go and visit them next time you’re in Marlborough.