2016 Condrieu Coteau de Chery
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Tasting notes
While the Clos Chanson is the better wine in 2017, the 2016 Condrieu Côteau du Chery is the standout in this cooler, more classic vintage. Just loaded with notions of white flowers, citrus and stone fruits, honeysuckle, and obvious minerality and salinity, it has medium to full-bodied richness, terrific mid-palate concentration, and is just a perfectly balanced, heavenly Condrieu from a true master of this variety. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Based just south of the town of Condrieu, Andre Perret continues to fashion some of the most profound Condrieu out there. In addition to his top single vineyards, don’t overlook his base Condrieu as it offers incredible quality and classic characteristics year in, year out. In addition to the Condrieu, he makes two elegant Saint Josephs that are closer in style to a Côte Rôtie than a Saint Joseph from the southern part of the appellation.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Coming largely from 80-year-old vines in the Coteau du Chery, Perret's 2016 Condrieu Chery is a tremendous effort. The decomposed granite soils seem to impart more tension into the wine, so although this medium to full-bodied wine is rich and fruity, it's also lively, spicy and fresh. Floral and apricot aromas lead the way, followed by a silky-textured palate that never seems heavy and a nearly never-ending finish. Just wow.
Quite restrained with savoury elements and real depth. Fine wine by any measure. Dense with a future. Tight and well constructed. Exciting! (JR)
Pale green-hued gold. High-pitched citrus and orchard fruit scents are complemented by suggestions of violet, lemon pith and smoky minerals. Juicy, penetrating and strikingly pure, offering incisive pear, Meyer lemon and white peach flavors along with anise, saffron and floral nuances. Displays superb clarity and energy on the finish, which hangs on with outstanding, mineral-dominated tenacity. Most of these vines are close to 80 years of age now, Perret told me.