Georges Vernay - Condrieu Terrasses de L'Empire 2017 (1.5L)

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Leading off the three Condrieus from this reference point estate, the 2017 Condrieu Les Terrasses de l'Empire is a seamless, brilliant wine that makes the most of what was a more difficult vintage for Condrieu. Stunning notes of white peach, citrus blossom, spice, and subtle minerality all emerge from the glass. With ample richness, terrific purity, and a clean, pure style, drink it over the coming 3-5 years. At the top of the hierarchy of Condrieu, Domaine Vernay has been run by Christine Vernay since 1997, when she took over from her father, George Vernay. These wines go from strength to strength, and today she fashions an IGP Viognier, three Condrieu, an IGP Syrah, a handful Saint Joseph, and two Côte Rôties. The majority of the 2015s were reviewed last year, so this report focuses primarily on her 2016s. Christine commented that the vintage started slowly with a rainy, cold spring, but quickly warmed going into summer and early fall, with beautiful weather at the end of the year. I was able to taste two 2017s, and while a hot, more challenging vintage, she appears to have handled the year with ease, and the wines are upfront, perfumed, and sexy, yet also pure.

Light, green-hued yellow. Vibrant, mineral-driven citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of saffron, violet and white pepper. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering nervy Anjou pear, tangerine and honeysuckle flavors that pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Shows superb delineation and closing thrust, leaving lemon zest and bitter pear skin notes behind. 

 

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94

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94

Price: $190.00

In Mixed Case: $161.50

Qty:   Add to Cart

Quantity Available: 5

Producer	Georges Vernay
Country	France
Region	Rhone Valley
Subregion	Condrieu
Varietal	Viognier
Vintage	2017
Sku	11920
Size	1.5L