2019 Georges Vernay 'Coteau de Vernon' Condrieu Rhone

Winemaker Notes:  A complex yet elegant wine, Coteau de Vernon is one of the finest expressions of the subtlety of the Viognier grape. This unique Condrieu, from the very center of the Condrieu appellation and the estate, presents aromas of yellow fruits, fresh and candied citrus fruits and exotic fruits, along with notes of spices, tobacco, wood and leathers and a lingering bitter finish. Its balance is always perfect, with plenty of freshness, vegetal and menthol notes, white flowers and a very good acidity. Coteau de Vernon is a fine, tight, self-assured, precise and delicate wine with a restrained exuberance, a quintessential Condrieu.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "Lastly, the 2019 Condrieu Coteau De Vernon comes from a steep, southeast-facing hillside of granite soils and is brought up a mix of 15% new barrels and foudres. The foudres were introduced in 2012 and I think contribute to slightly more tension and vibrancy in the wines. Peach, crushed citrus, spicy wood, and crushed stone notes all define the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, wonderful overall balance, integrated acidity, and one hell of a great finish. A reference point Condrieu if there ever was one, it will benefit from a year or two in bottle then have a gradual evolution over the following decade. These can unquestionably age for decades, in fact."


Decanter - "A fresh, floral and subtly flinty nose - violets and lavender. Full-bodied, savoury on entry, then opens out expansively on the palate. Neatens up after some time spent strutting its stuff. Great sense of purity and harmony. Remarkably salinity carries the wine throughout. The concentration helps to mask the alcohol, which is warming but not unbalanced. Oak is perfectly integrated and non-intrusive."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Like the Les Chaillées de l'Enfer, the 2019 Condrieu Coteaux du Vernon spent a year in a mix of foudres and barriques, about 20% of which were new. Marked by attractive, complex notes of narcissus, honey and gingery spice, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and expansive on the palate without going overboard, and it seems to have seamlessly absorbed any oak influence, finishing long, with echoes of citrus and spice. Best After 2021."