Koenig Distillery and Winery is a busy operation. For one thing, it is a distillery and winery. For another, the Caldwell, Idaho operation produce eight spirits (five brandies, two vodkas and one whiskey) and more than a dozen wines. To boot, the brothers Koenig (Andy and Greg) are classically trained in European fruit distillation (in their father’s hometown of Lustenau, Austria) and knew that growing in the Sunny Slope region of Idaho’s Snake River Valley was a sure bet. Peach, apricot, plum, pear and cherries were planted in 1995 and a small vineyard of Merlot, Semillon and Chardonnay was added the following year. For the 2012 Viognier, the Koenigs travel two miles further into the Sunny Slope to Williamson Vineyard, a site they have been buying fruit for this specific wine for a solid decade. A small lot production with only 325 cases bottled and boxed, the 2012 Williamson Vineyard Viognier is an aromatic, fleshy stunner for only $15. A bright and juicy nose of peach and apricot light up the glass, with acidity abound in the vibrant, salivating and sumptuous palate of stone fruit.
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