Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Terrasses de L'Empire 2018
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Winemaker Notes
The Condrieu Les Terrasses de l’Empire is the archetypal fruity wine, with inimitable aromas of white peach, apricot kernels and white almonds and a finesse that perfectly represents the charm of the style. This is an elegant, extremely harmonious wine with great freshness, best enjoyed young.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Condrieu Les Terrasses de L'Empire has a portion brought up in oak, all being used, and it's always a great introduction into the wines of this estate. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless, it has terrific purity (especially given the heat in the vintage) as well as lots of white flower, salted citrus, tangerine, and a kiss of rocky minerality. Nicely concentrated as well as balanced, this brilliant wine is not far off the two pricier releases.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Vernay's entry-level Condrieu—the 2018 Condrieu les Terrasses de l'Empire—strikes a fine balance between ebullience and restraint, plushness and structure. Flowers and apricots are joined by hints of white pepper in this medium to full-bodied effort. Still showing a bit of dissolved carbon dioxide, it's zesty and fresh, with a hint of citrus pith on the finish.
Other Vintages
2020-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling - Decanter
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
A pioneer in the renewal of the Condrieu appellation, Domaine Georges Vernay has always made wines of unique style, notable for their finesse, elegance and harmony. The property has become a major emblem of Rhone Valley winegrowing, from the time when Georges Vernay saved the Condrieu appellation to the international awards earned by Christine Vernay’s Côte-Rôtie. Three generations have left the mark of the philosophy on the estate, while perpetuating its traditions in the greatest respect for both vines and winegrowers.
Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
As the source of some of the most vibrant and powerful white wines in France, Condrieu is uniquely situated in one of the northern outposts of the Rhone River. It is the original Viognier appellation with a wine growing history reaching back well over two thousand years. Like most of the wine regions of the Northern Rhone, Condrieu’s vines grow on extremely steep and narrow granite terraces. But what makes the region unique is a topsoil, locally called, “arzelle,” made of decomposed mica. This and a sheltering of the harsh northern winds, make optimal sites to produce opulent and brilliant Viognier. It is a tiny zone with no room for expansion and produces miniscule amounts of wine each year, contributing to its allure.
A fine Condrieu will have aromas and flavors suggestive of ripe stone fruit, lime peel, green almond, ginger, white flowers and toasted nuts. A honeyed smell may mislead you to think the wine will be sweet but the modern style favors totally dry on the palate. Its texture will be full and soft but a touch of mineral will provide great balance.