2018 Condrieu Coteaux de Vernon
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Condrieu Coteau De Vernon is more backward and mineral-laced compared to the showier Les Chaillées De L'Enfer. Gorgeous notes of white flowers, honeyed citrus, nectarines, gunflint, and charcoal all emerge from this incredible wine. Taking plenty of air to show at its best (I followed this for multiple days), it's medium to full-bodied and has a flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, beautiful acidity, and a gorgeous finish. This is one of those wines that demands something from the taster and is subtle, nuanced, and beautifully complex while remaining regal and classy. The Romanée-Conti of Condrieu, I would give bottles another year and drink through 2026. It can be cellared longer, if that's your style.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
John Livingstone-Learmonth on drinkrhone.com: '50% Viognier planted in 1936 by Francis Vernay, father of Georges, 50% planted in the 1960s. From the two faces of the Vernon slope [in the heartland of the appellation – JR]. Fermented, raised in 25% new, 75% 2 – 4 year-old oak for 12 – 16 months. Production is 6 – 7,000 bottles (increased from 4,500 since the early 2000s).' Pale apricot colour. Very full and tender but not flabby. There is tension here but there is even more savoury depth than in the Chaillées de l'Enfer . Yet this is so far from heavy that it's almost flirtatious. Apricot and may-blossom flavours but the underlying granite makes its tense, chewy presence felt. Broad but not fat with some reviving bitterness on the end. Serve with deserving food. (JR)
Brilliant straw. Highly perfumed, mineral-driven orchard and pit fruit scents, along with hints of saffron, violet, candied orange zest and honey. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering deeply concentrated peach and pear nectar, lemon curd and candied ginger flavors underscored by a vein of dusty minerality. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with lingering floral character and an emphatic whiplash of smoky minerals. (JR)
About the producer
A legendary name, Domaine Georges Vernay crafts some of the finest whites in the world, having championed Condrieu when it was on the brink of extinction. The estate is best known for its single-site Coteau de Vernon Condrieu and is now in the hands of the third and fourth generation of the family.