2019 Condrieu Coteau de Chery

A bigger, richer wine and just about pure perfection, the 2019 Condrieu Chery is full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with incredible purity as well as length. Lots of peach, lychee, pineapple, and exotic flowers notes, as well as fabulous minerality, define the aromatics and I seriously considered a triple digit rating on the beauty. Perfectly balanced, with a distinct sense of salinity on the finish, readers should beg, borrow, or steal to try this incredible Condrieu.

From 80-year-old vines facing south-southwest, the 2019 Condrieu Chery takes all the laudable aspects of the stellar 2018 and turns the volume up to 11. Flowers, crushed stone, dried spices and ripe apricots all show up on the nose and full-bodied, fleshy palate. Rich and textural without ever seeming overdone or heavy, it's a magnificent effort that should drink well for another 5 years or so.

Vivid, green-tinged yellow. Expansive orchard, citrus fruit, melon and floral aromas are sharpened by notes of smoky minerals and lemon zest. Concentrated pear, Meyer lemon and violet pastille flavors show a suave blend of richness and delicacy thanks to a core of juicy acidity and an emerging mineral nuance. Closes juicy, taut and extremely long, leaving a sexy floral note behind.