Condrieu doesn’t have to be overpowering, as Vernay, a master of Viognier, demonstrates in this wine. Aromas of almonds, flavors of fresh apricots and white peaches, a lively, vibrant acidity blend well into a poised, elegant wine. It seems to last for ever in the mouth.
— R.V.
(2/1/2005)
Georges Vernay is certainly the master of Condrieu. He takes Viognier to extremes and then makes drinkable wines. This evocatively named wine is ripe and creamy, flavored with delicious peaches, apricots and nectarines. The new wood gives an underlayer of spice and vanilla. This wine, from the master of Condrieu, may be low in acidity, but it is wonderfully high in…
— R.V.
(6/1/2002)
Guigal's luxury cuvée from Condrieu is a blend of vineyards, all vinified and agfed for eight months in new oak. The result is a big, spicy, rich wine, graced with smoky nuances but built on concentrated honey and apricots. It's long and powerful on the finish, ending with impressive spice. Drink now-2015.
— J.C.
(4/1/2010)
Guigal’s luxury cuvée from Condrieu is a great success in 2008, marrying richness and power with hints of honeysuckle, toasted nuts and apricot. It’s full bodied, creamy in texture and tremendously long on the finish. Drink now–2016, and possibly beyond.
— J.C.
(10/1/2011)
An exotic, perfumed wine, with aromas of violets and rosewater. To taste, this exoticism goes through to ripe, but elegant fruit. Along with all this, there is a freshness and fruitiness which makes the wine light, fragrant and vibrant.
— R.V.
(2/1/2005)
In ripe vintages, T-L’s whites show much less oak influence than expected, and this 2009 Condrieu is a case in point. It delivers all of Condrieu’s floral aromas, plus flashes of lychee, tropical fruit and apricot. It’s Condrieu at its exotic, sexy best, long-lasting and spicy on the finish. Drink now.
— J.C.
(10/1/2011)
Chapoutier has crafted a beautiful Condrieu. It may have high levels of new wood flavors, but of greater importance is the ripe Viognier, with powerful spice flavors and concentration. There is a sense of elegance as well as power which gives the wine a fine presence.
— R.V.
(6/1/2002)
Unlike so many Condrieus, this is a wine that needs to be aged. From a parcel of land in the south end of the Condrieu appellation, this vintage is currently dominated by new wood. But under that, there is elegant, spicy fruit with delicious flavors of ripe pears and peaches. Just a hint of acidity gives it structure and considerable potential for aging.
— R.V.
(6/1/2002)