Confusing, in a way… For the better. So different from the archetype...
The vintage

Time has come to grasp our dictionary of the superlatives, to try and tell the talent of this Vintage… Nonetheless, words will not suffice to describe the unfathomable pleasure that the Tasting of this fabulous Year triggers… ! Winter was characterized by relatively mild temperatures; then a cool spring slowed down the growing of the vine. And, throughout this period, steady, gentle, rainfalls evenly accompanied the vegetative cycle. These extremely propitious conditions have understandably had a positive impact on the harvest, fantastically beautiful, healthy, and generous… !Summer season was marked by high heat, high without being excessive, with little rainfall. Extremely favorable factor, nights remained very cool. Therefore, the vines were under pressure, but moderately, at the limit of stress, yet without ever suffering ! As a result, maturation and concentration operated conjointly : here is one major key to the genius of this Vintage, which calls to the unusual the fantastic, at the borders of the explained and the unexplainable !

Terroir

Paton, Chanson, la Côte and Vernon.

Type of soil

Granit and Loess.

Ageing

Ageing 10 months in new and one year old barrels. Allier, Tronçais and Jupille.

Serving

10°C
Decant just before tasting.

Tasting

Flavors of cedrat, lime zests… The mouth is straight, chiseled, refined, delicate. Plenty of energy in this Wine !

Alcohol content

13,5%

Bottling

Without fining and light filtration.

Cépages

Viognier : 100 %

While not from the southern Rhône, I was able to taste the 2016 Condrieu and opted to include it here. I’ll have many more Condrieu reviewed in the northern Rhône report coming out soon. Tangerine, white peach, apricot and white flowers all dominated this rich, concentrated, beautifully textured white that has terrific freshness and purity. If you get a chance, don’t miss this one and it’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.

JebDunnuck.com , 95/100 , 2017-10-19

Mid straw. Not that expressive on the nose. But very well mannered on the palate. This is not one of this producer’s star wines. Competent and not ostentatiously aromatic. But a tad low key. Good bite on the end. Mildly floral.

Jancis Robinson , 16,5/20 , 2017-12-01

Pale yellow. Assertive orange zest, honeydew melon and violet scents show excellent clarity and energy and pick up a chalky mineral element with aeration. Silky and taut on the palate, offering vivid citrus and orchard fruit, melon and candied ginger flavors complemented by a subtle fennel quality. Finishes with bright mineral cut and powerful thrust, leaving a suave floral note behind.

Josh Reynolds
Vinous , 92/100 , 2018-06-01