What’s nice about Chile, and a lot of New World, and increasingly old world, wine regions, is the focus on experimentation.  Now, there’s nothing necessarily revolutionary about putting together Chardonnay and Viognier, but what a wonderful idea to mix two texturally similar wines with complimentary favors. The Chardonnay creamy, buttery apple infused.  The Viognier musky, floral, and exotic.  A magical combination that 2008 Oveja Negra Chardonnay Viognier hopes to create and perfect.  Do they make magic, of are they just playing with squibs? 

Sight:  It’s a deep goldenish hue.

Smell:  Lime, papaya, peaches, apricot, and a bit of honeysuckle.  There’s a also a touch of musk and cream.

Sip:  There’s a light bit of sweetness, before the wine gets a little woody.  There’s a strong peach and apricot vibe, with a lot of citrus, and starfruit notes.  There’s some rose like musk, and the acid is solid.  The mouth feel is very full.  [A.B.V. 13.5%]

Savor:   The flavor disappates rather quickly, but the honeysuckle and wood keep going.

Overall, 2008 Oveja Nega Chardonnay Viognier is pretty nice.  It has some highs, and some lows, but the finer points of each of it’s elements exceeds the subtle imbalances of the wine making.  The stone fruits are very good, but a little more Viognier, and a little less oak might have helped the wine seem more balanced.  It’s worth a shot from an under represented camp, and something to try for a bit of a change.

Verdict:  Do you believe in magic?
Price:  $7.99
Chile
http://www.hemingwayandhale.com/wines_ovejaNegra.htm