The 1998 Viognier reveals the varietal's tell-tale white peach, honeysuckle, fruit cocktail aromas, medium to full body, intriguing lychee nut flavors in the mid-palate, and a ripe, heady, plush finish. It requires consumption over the next year. (release date 7/00)Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The 1997 Viognier is a competent, but uninspiring effort. It reveals leafy, honeysuckle-like fruit, medium body, but not much complexity or delineation. It should be consumed over the next 6-12 months.Release date, 4/99.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

As I reported in previous Beringer reviews, the production of Viognier has been increased. In 1995 the quantity reached 600 cases, made largely from fruit grown in the highly esteemed Hudson Ranch Vineyard in Carneros. The 1995 Viognier is a medium to full-bodied, honeysuckle and apricot-scented wine with rich fruit, an unctuous texture, and enough acidity to provide vibrancy and freshness. Given its fragrant, penetrating bouquet, fatness, and richness, this is a wine to drink over the next 1-2 years.This exceptionally well-run winery continues its impressive display of high quality wines in all price ranges and varietal categories.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

There are 200 cases of the 1993 Viognier. It possesses an exotic, honeysuckle-scented, intensely fruity nose, full body, excellent richness, and a long, dry, unctuously-textured finish. Given the fragility of Viognier's intense perfume, it is a wine to drink during the first 18 months after bottling.It is especially admirable when a winery the size, stature, and importance of Beringer continues to push the quality of its offerings to greater and greater heights. Given how successful this property has become, it would be easy to rest on its already sterling reputation, but no one at this historic winery appears satisfied with maintaining the status quo. Beringer has been on an amazing hot streak. Even more remarkable, given the huge diversity of high quality wines that emerge from this winery, consumers will find that upcoming releases are even more compelling than previous Beringer offerings - high praise indeed! Additionally, small experimental lots of dazzling wines such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Melon, sold only at the winery, prove that Beringer intends to produce more than world class Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.Given the tiny quantities (under 50 cases) of 1992 Pinot Gris, 1992 Pinot Blanc, 1992 Pinot Auxerrois, and 1992 Melon made, it is sufficient to say that if you ever visit Beringer and notice any of these wines for sale, do not hesitate to buy a few bottles. The blockbuster, rich, honeyed, orange, concentrated 1992 Pinot Blanc and the more mineral-scented, enticing, rich 1992 Pinot Auxerrois are terrific efforts.After sixteen years of visiting the world's best wine producers, I cannot think of too many cellars where I have walked out shaking my head at such an extraordinary range of quality as I have seen at Beringer on my two most recent visits!Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-5054.