2020 Condrieu Les Terrasses de l'Empire
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Tasting notes
100% Viognier. Aged 8 months in oak vats and barrel. Organic. Expressive peach and floral nose and palate. Dry and really quite vibrant. Lovely purity of fruit and good balance. Aperitif or with food. (JL)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Starting with the 2020 Condrieu Les Terrasses De L'Empire, this is a rich, opulent Condrieu sourced from younger vines (which aren’t that young, averaging 30 years in age) and is vinified in wooded tanks and older Bordeaux barrels. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it has good acidity, classic peach, spice, and obvious minerality, and a great finish. A terrific Condrieu ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years, it’s also a great introduction to the style of this estate.
Bottled in June 2021, a bit earlier than usual, the 2020 Condrieu les Terrasses de l'Empire is another terrific entry-level Condrieu. Floral up front, plump and frankly delicious, it delivers plenty of ripe pineapple and apricot flavors, ample weight and richness on the palate and a long finish tinged with hints of fresh ginger and cracked pepper. Drink it over the next few years.
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.