The Honey Moon Viognier 2019 is a $5.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive. It is part of the Moon series of wines produced for Trader Joe’s by a large family-owned winery from Lodi, California. Their Moon X Black Pinot Noir was our most popular review in 2019 and 2020.
The honey in Honey Moon Viognier 2019 does not refer to newlyweds, but the scent of honeysuckle is a common Viognier aroma. Viognier, the finer is pronounced like nay, is a grape originally from the Rhone Valley in Southern France.
Viognier is one of the rare White grapes that is used in Red wine blends. Typically only a small percentage is added. I asked an Australian winemaker why to add such a small amount of a White grape to a red Wine. The flavors of the Red wine will certainly drown out the Viognier, and she said that Viognier puts a “shine” on the wine. It makes the wine a bit more bright and appealing.
The Honey Moon Viognier 2019 has been in Trader Joe’s stores for several years; we first reviewed the 2012 vintage. It was $5 then, not too far off the current $5.99. TJ’s does not give out information on the production details, but this figures to be a drink-it-now wine. As a 2019 vintage selling in 2021, the Honey Moon Viognier 2019 has a little bit of age. While not an aged wine by any means, it seems to have needed a little time to find its balance.
Viognier is one of those wines that you rarely drink, but when you pour yourself a glass you can not figure out why you do not drink more of it. It is a wine with a great nose, solid weight on the palate, and a excellent array of flavors. If you enjoy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc then Viognier should fit well with your wine preferences.
The alcohol content is 13%, suggesting it should have weight and body similar to Chardonnay or Sauvignon. The place of origin for the grapes on the front label says California. A California-labeled wine indicates that the grapes came from two of the three (or all 3) main AVAs, Central Coast, North Coast, and Central Valley. Since the maker of the wine is located in Lodi in the Central Valley, that figures to be the location of some of the vineyards.
Honey Moon Viognier 2019 Tasting Notes
The color is a pale wheat beer yellow. The nose is bright and fresh; there are scents of ripe apple, lemon, peach, pear, lime, pineapple, and a floral edge. The Honey Moon Viognier 2019 sleek wine with distinct flavors and a salty finish.
It tastes of grapefruit, tangerine, orange zest, green apple, apricot, and light melon. The mid-palate adds orange blossom honey, guava, and a salty sensation. The acidity is well managed; there is sufficient structure for the flavors to unfold and enough zip to get you reaching for the next sip.
Summary
- The Honey Moon Viognier 2019 is a terrific summer wine. Put a good chill on the bottle and sip all afternoon.
- It is amazing how $5.99 can get you an enjoyable and interesting wine that is both well-made and has personality.
I thought this was done by Castoro Vineyards in Templeton (near Paso Robles).
No, it is from Manteca in Lodi, which is probably the Delicato Family Vineyards, the folks who make Gnarly Head