Point Ormond is a private label project from Little Peacock Importers. The husband-wife team of Gordon Little (Aussie) and Lauren Peacock (American) source incredible value, sustainably farmed Australian wines from their producers and bring them to the US market. The cool, in both senses of the word, Yarra Valley lies an hour’s drive east of Melbourne. Taking a cue from the Northern Rhône, the Yarra Valley uses Viognier to add roundness and aromatics to its Syrah. So, if you’ve already got one Rhône white grape planted, why stop there? This blend of 80% Viognier and 20% Marsanne is organically farmed, hand harvested, native yeast fermented in neutral oak fermenters. Interestingly, despite the presence of flavors that are usually associated with oak, like caramel and a general toastiness, the wine was aged in large neutral oak barrels. The acidity is moderate but the wine is not cloying and the glycerin inherent to Viognier gives the impression of a wine bigger than 11% alcohol. Indeed, Viognier is notorious for easily getting overripe, over alcoholic and flabby. Careful winemaking resulted in a far more fascinating wine than anything at this price point has any right to be. Flavors of toasty oak, almond flour crust, pineapple rind, yellow apple, honeysuckle and caramelized pear would pair well with heavy salads.