Kayra Versus Viognier 2012
I found the Kayra Versus Viognier, a real gem, originally at Eleos on Istiklal. Aside from a truly respectable wine list, Eleos is worth a visit if you’re a fan of fish, awesome views, and ridiculous amounts of free mezzes and desserts. Not paying for those leaves you free to pay the rather high ticket price of the Kayra Versus Viognier. Luckily if you buy it in a shop it’s significantly less expensive (76 at Macro Center and 67 at La Cave-seriously). Regardless of what you pay though this wine is totally worth it, it’s one of the most gorgeous wines I’ve had in a while.
In the glass the 2012 Kayra Versus Viognier is a pale, clear yellow with no hints of green. The nose is white pepper, honeysuckle, orange flower, and vanilla bean. The latter two aromas I didn’t pick up right away, I found them to be more subtle than the pepper and honeysuckle, but they are there and they are delightful.
In the mouth there’s a nice amount of acidity balancing the flavors and a long finish of honeysuckle and vanilla. I think I may have also detected some melon and/or tropical notes and some citrus in the flavor.
It’s lighter than Chamlija’s Viognier which has more oak characteristics and while they’re both gorgeous in their own ways, the Kayra Versus Viognier is the far more easily drinkable. In fact it’s dangerously drinkable as I proved by killing the bottle in one sitting. Go buy this. Like, right now.