Honey Moon Viognier
May 3, 2006 – 10:59 pm
Early this week I saw the Honey Moon Viognier at Trader Joe’s for the notable price of $4.99. Intrigued, both by the price and by the then unknown to me varietal, I bought a bottle out of curiosity. Five bucks? I’m in.
Trader Joe’s described it as both fruity and floral and as not overly sweet. That description jibed reasonably well with me. The Honey Moon was quite full bodied with definite honey sweetness, a green apple sort of sourness and nose, and a faint floral overtone. Trader Joe’s made special note of the pleasant mango flavors. I didn’t notice any mango; I’d be interested to hear if anyone else does.
The Honey Moon seemed to grow sweeter even through the first glass; the second glass was noticeably thicker, but without becoming sickly sweet. It was definitely, though, sweeter than I expected. Talking with Roger, it is unclear whether this sweetness was inherent in the varietal or if it was some sort of California take on the viognier. It seems “traditional” viogniers, at least, are more alcoholic than average, which would lead me to think a traditional take would be drier.
Regardless, the sweetness found in the Honey Moon was not at all offensive. I found nothing, in fact, disagreeable about the wine at all; I was very happy with the bottle and greatly enjoyed it. Certainly one of the best five dollar bottles of wine I’ve had. Far and away the best five dollar white.
Go to Trader Joe’s and pick up a bottle.
11 Responses to “Honey Moon Viognier”
I echo your sentiments. I think I can safely say I enjoyed this bottle of wine more than any other sub-$5 bottle of wine I have ever had.
Good stuff.
By jjk on May 4, 2006
I just discovered this wine myself, and when I googled it your entry came up. I agree that this is probably the best value wine I’ve ever tasted. It’s lovely. I’m going to go buy more now! Trader Joe’s really knows how to stock the best (cheap) wine.
By Katherine on Jun 27, 2006
I am not normally a white wine drinker, but am an avid sampler of Trader Joe’s wine. After visiting with a friend in Modesto who works for Gallo, I decided to try some more whites. I found this white at TJs and absolutely loved it. I don’t think I have quite the pallete as the original author. The one flavor that came through to me was the peach. I also agree that it is sweet, but not too sweet. This is one that will continue on my “buy list”
By Chuck Boone on Jul 14, 2006
Found this among my white’s and didn’t know where I got it. I tried it and thought it must have been one of the much higher priced wines given to me as a gift. Got on the internet to check it out, and it came from TJ’s. Great stuff, blows the white wine at twice the price out of the water. I am going to go buy a case tomorrow.
By Sharon Sullivan on Jul 27, 2006
I am not traditionaly a white wine drinker, I prefer red.I saw a write up on viognier wine in our local paper, for a summer time white wine. In search of a nice bottle of viognier wine, I could not find one locally. I made an out of state trip to Trader Joes and found this fabulous wine. Next trip I will buy another case of 2buck chuck, and a case of honey moon viognier.
I was going to share with some of my
co-workers, too late!
By Sonja on Aug 2, 2006
I also enjoyed this wine, purchased from the Tempe Arizona Trader Joe’s on Thursday, 9/21/06. I would never notice mango flavors in anything, as I’ve never tasted mango, to my knowledge! The honey-ish sweetness was apparent early in the bottle, along with some clove spiciness, and as others have commented, it seemed to get sweeter as I sipped. I cooked a spicy grilled chicken for my family that evening, and the wine was excellent with it. A fine value!
By Bruce Wilkison on Sep 23, 2006
April 22, 07
Hello!
We tried your Viognier white from Trader Joe’s. Found it somewhat similar to some of the Rieslings we have tried in Germany.
Fruity, pleasant with chicken. We did, however, try a Viognier, recently, at Frick’s Winery near Healdsburg and found it to be very pleasant, perhaps fuller and sounder than the Honey Moon Voignier.
Anyway, I would not turn down another bottle for a nice chicken lunch or perhaps dinner, even fish. A little on the sweeter side (cousin to the Rieslings of Germany).
Thanks,
Larry and Geri
gpugh@dc.rr.com
By Larry on Apr 22, 2007
A group of friends just tried this wind for the first time at a gathering this evening and all of us remarked how delightful and flavorable this subtle semi-sweet wine is. We will be looking for more ot the 2005 vintage from Trader Moon Wine Company. Is Tradermoon connected with the Trader Joe Company? I will certainly contact their store tomorrow to see if they still have a source for it.
By Charlie Jarrett on Oct 10, 2007
I LOOOOOOOOVE this Viognier! Please Trader Joe find a way to come to Colorado. I have to drive to Sante Fe NM to visit your store and stock up on my favorite vino. Though we make the most of the trip I would love to just drive around the corner.
Cie T.
By Cie on Nov 1, 2007
I have found this to be a great wine also. What stands out to me is the peach. Thumbs up for this choice at Trader Joe’s. I am not normally so interested in whites as it is.
Damion from cheapwinecritics.com
By Damion on Feb 18, 2008
My brother-in-law brought this to me and although I’m not a white wine drinker, I enjoyed this wine so much that I went back to TJ’s for 2 more bottles. At $5, it’s a great cool down for warm summer night. I definitely tasted honey, apple (although, more red or golden, than green), but no mango. It would make a great pairing with a light salad with cheese and filberts. I would recommend this bottle and I will definitely buy it in the future.
By Julie on Jul 20, 2008