Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A lovely, juicy, bright and aromatic Condrieu with fresh lemons, blanched almonds, white peaches and fresh white flowers. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Lively and attractive with a long finish.
-
Vinous
The 2023 Condrieu La Bonnette showcases redolent apricot, honeysuckle, banana and white peach tones. Medium-bodied with lifting freshness and spot-on balance, the 2023 is absolutely delicious. This is a magnificent Condrieu. True to Rostaing’s house style, this Condrieu sees no oak and its malolactic conversion was blocked to preserve both aromatic purity and citrus-like acidity.
-
Wine Spectator
There's serious concentration to this white's dried apricot, green plum and pretty floral high tones, all anchored by a salty mineral vein. Rich, ripe and warm, with quinine cutting through for a focused, smoky and smoldering finish that stretches way out. Drink now through 2029. 400 cases made.
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.