2013 Condrieu Coteaux de Vernon

Always the more powerful, thick and rich of the Condrieu releases, the flagship 2013 Condrieu Coteaux du Vernon will compete with the top two to three wines in the vintage. Coming from very old vines planted on a steep, granite slope located just behind the estate, it offers full throttle notes of sautéed peach, marmalade, honeysuckle, liquid rock and citrus oil. Big, rich, textured and nicely concentrated, it nevertheless stays fresh, lively and weightless on the palate, with notable purity and a clean, dry finish. It doesn't come cheap (nor should it), but it's a tour de force in Condrieu that will drink nicely for a decade or more... although I always like to preface that with the sure bet is to enjoy bottles a year after the vintage and over the following 3-4 years.

Tremendous fruit quality: as peachy and creamy as you could possibly hope for. Slightly lighter bodied than many, but that is no crime for a wine that can often be blousy and fat. Beautiful orange-skin citrus to the finish. Masterful. (RH)

Bright yellow-gold. Heady pit fruit and floral aromas show superb power, with an intense mineral element adding vivacity. Supple and precise on the palate, showing strong spicy lift to its poached pear and peach nectar flavors. Notes of honey and anise come up slowly with air, along with a suggestion of fennel. Closes smooth, broad and very long, leaving a sexy floral note behind. Offers a terrific combination of power and finesse.