Georges Vernay Les Terrasses de L'Empire Condrieu 2023
(100% Viognier; Organic)
CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
“The 2023 Condrieu Les Terrasses De L'Empire is gorgeous, with grilled peach, musky orange, mineral, and floral-like aromatics and flavors. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Condrieu that's beautifully balanced, has a layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2033.” - 94 PTS, JEB DUNNUCK (05/2025)
“A well-driven, composed and lively Condrieu with aromas of white peaches, apples, lemon leaves, white flowers and some wild herbs, Medium-bodied with freshness at its core. Juicy and tactile, with a delicate texture and a very long, flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.” - 93 PTS, JAMES SUCKLING (04/2025)
“Intoxicating aromas and flavours of lemon blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, ripe peach and apricot juice. There's some oiliness but it's held in balance by fairly refreshing acidity. This is very poised for Condrieu, and it may last longer than I have estimated.” - 17.5/20 PTS, JAMES LAWTHER, JANCIS ROBINSON (03/2025)
IMPORTER NOTES:
VINEYARDS: “A selection of younger vine fruit from lieu-dits ‘La Caille’ and ‘Sainte-Agathe,’ located in the heart of the village of Condrieu (and not far from ‘Vernon’). Soils are mostly granite with some mica and schist. Age of vines - 35 years"
WINEMAKING: “Hand-harvested in small cases. Full-cluster press; fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged in large, tapered oak tanks (“tronconiques,” 20HL) and older barrels for 10 months.”
TASTING IMPRESSIONS: “Aromas of lemon blossoms, white peach, apricot stones and fresh almonds. Fresh, energetic, charming”
ABOUT THE PRODUCER: “The wines of Domaine Vernay are the true representation of the soul of Condrieu, bottles that tell a complete and engaging story of this fabled appellation: its beginnings, its rebirth and its triumph as the ultimate expression of the northern Rhône’s native white grape, Viognier. Founded in the late 1930s, this estate claims as its crown jewel the steeply graded, granite slopes of the ‘Coteau de Vernon,’ home of some of the appellation’s oldest vines and the beating heart of the Vernay portfolio. One of France’s top winemakers, Christine Vernay took the reins of the estate in 1996, as its third generation and modern visionary. Now with more than a quarter-century of experience behind her, Christine has welcomed her daughter, Emma, into the fields and cellar.”