What advice would you give to someone trying to distinguish between Viognier and Chardonnay in a blind tasting? What key aroma or flavor profile would you focus on?

As a perfumer, my first piece of advice would be to focus on your nose and really enjoy smelling the wine before any blind tasting. With these two wines, I home in on the following: 1. Fragrance Intensity: If it is highly floral and fruity, it is likely a Viognier. If subtler, then I would expect a Chardonnay. 2. Profile of the Fruit: If the fruits are more reminiscent of apricot, peach and nectarine, it will be a Viognier. If you smell Apple or Citrus fruit (lemon, lime), then I would vote Chardonnay. 3. Acidity: Aromatic Intensity: When tasting the wine, I love the taste & mouth feel of the higher acidity in a Chardonnay but my digestion doesn't, which is why I tend to choose a Viognier with its softer acidity.