Cave de Rois / Marco & François Grognuz, Valais (Switzerland) Viognier 2017

 I am not a big fan of Viognier, and wouldn’t cross the street to try one aged in wood, so you can imagine my surprise when tasting this delicious wine.  It displays full but still restrained floral aromatics, which somehow survived 25% vinification in new wood (with the rest brought up in 2nd or 3rd year cooperage).  The acidity is perfectly adequate, and though the wood component raises the need for freshness, there’s just enough acid to achieve irreproachable balance.  Only about 800 bottles of this were made in 2017 due to crop reduction by hail, so consider booking a flight if you want a taste.