Full marks for creativity. As a name and label concept, the "Arrogant Frog" range is all very New World, and I'm sure you don't need me unravel the various ironies here. The angle is "best of both worlds;" New World approachability combined with Old World character. This is so fraught with stereotypes that I won't even attempt to engage it, but I can certainly taste and write about what's inside the bottle.
Quite a pretty appearance, with good clarity and a lightly golden hue. Served cold, this wine smells of very little. Perhaps some subtle spice and a little floral perfume. It really needs to become quite warm, just off room temperature or thereabouts, to show a richer, more fruit driven aroma, mostly high toned apricot with perhaps some vanilla. It never becomes truly expressive, though, and strikes me as slightly dilute.
The palate shows a syrupy, viscous mouthfeel and notes of spice and tinned apricot. It's full to the point of feeing thick in the mouth. The flavour profile is quite simple and shows a little alcohol burn on the finish (the label says 13.5%). Structurally, there's not a lot of acidity, so the wine collapses gently in the mouth, with a wash of viscosity that's generous but formless too. The after palate and finish tapers off but some residual flavour lingers longer than one might expect.
This is a clean wine with straightforward flavours and a notably viscous mouthfeel. There isn't a huge number of straight Viogniers on the local market, so if you're after a well-priced example, you may find this satisfactory, especially if you serve it on the warm side. Not a lot of depth or sophistication here, though.
Price: $A9.50
Closure: Stelvin
Date tasted: August 2008
I have this in a box somewhere and also maybe a dozen or so local Viognier. They are increasing in their quantity, slimy creatures they are...I'll get myself in the right frame of mind to battle with them shortly :)
GW
Good luck with that! I'll be interested to read your impressions. Personally, I'm in two minds regarding a straight Viognier. On the one hand, I've had sublime experiences with a very few (the 2005 Clonakilla included), but more often I struggle to like them, especially when it comes to pairing with food.
So I'm often left wondering when is a good occasion to open one. Aperitif? Too heavy. Boozy summer afternoon? Not refreshing enough. I've yet to figure it out.