Cline Family Cellars, North Coast (California) Viognier 2021

 Now in its 40th year of winemaking, Cline doesn’t get the respect it deserves.  Led by Syrah and Mourvèdre, its Rhône-style wine program is rock solid.  The limited volume wines are snapped up by club members, but the widely available, supermarket volume wines represented by this North Coast Viognier are excellent values.  This 2021 Viognier is definitely yellow-ish in color but healthy looking in the glass.  Peach and apricot fruit dominate the aroma, and the ripe fruit flavors are presented in a round, full-bodied style.  What adds to its appeal is a pleasing finish with a citric edge and just a touch of acidity to counterbalance the lush fruit.  Overall, this full throttle white can be served cold and is still much more appealing than the majority of mass-produced Chardonnays at this price point.