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Indeed, all along the year, 2012 did not spare the Vignerons : even the savviest got confused, almost losing their points of references, while dealing with its tricks ! Heterogeneity in the vineyard would bear, right from the start, the mark of damage caused by winter frost. Sadly enough, very old Grenache and Syrah vines did not survive this frost. Loss of a precious heritage, impact on the yields of the upcoming harvest, Vignerons were already under pressure…
Conversely, the months of July and August were extremely hot, speeding up the maturing process, as a first step, but worsening water stress, in a second. Rarest reaction, the Vignerons came to bless the rains that fell beginning of September, as they profitably revived the phenolic ripening of the grapes. In the end, deciding the right moment to pick up grapes caused the serious Vignerons a real headache ! To the extent that the harvesting of the different cépages, in the different parcelles, followed a more than widely unusual order…
And now, for one more uncommon observation : opting for a later harvest was not necessarily the winning choice, in 2012 : the exception that
proves the rule !
Now, at this stage, as the Wines are nearing the end of the fermenting process,
they already impose their real potential : they are very, very, good… Thus, they lead us to admit that, from contrasts, Harmony can arise...
Chanson, Coteaux de Chéry.
AgeingIn new and one year old barrels. Allier et Tronçais.
10°C
Decant just before tasting.
The palate is balanced, juicy, with hints of vine peach and saffron.
13,5%
BottlingWithout fining and light filtration.
CépagesViognier : 100 %
Plump, with anise, white peach, apricot and Cavaillon melon aromas and flavors seamlessly layered and carrying through the mineral-tinged finish. Shows lovely mouthfeel and purity.
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
, 92/100
, 2014-05-31
Greenish yellow. Spicy pear and peach pit on the nose, with suave vanilla, mineral and floral qualities adding complexity. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering intense orchard and pit fruit fruit flavors and a dusty mineral nuance. Firm, focused and pure on the back end, finishing with excellent clarity and stony cut.
Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer International
, 92/100
, 2014-03-01
45-year-old Viognier in new and one year-old barrels. Salty and grunty – much more restrained than many Condrieus and most Viogniers. Not that intense but extremely well mannered and classical.
Jancis Robinson
, 17/20
, 2013-12-30
An outstanding wine as well, the 2012 Condrieu offers up brilliant perfume of marmalade jam, apricot, flowers and distinct minerality as well as a medium to full-bodied, rich and layered profile on the palate. Supple, textured and yet with excellent acidity
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Advocate
, 91/100
, 2013-12-01