2017 Condrieu Les Chaillées de l'Enfer

The 2017 Condrieu Chaillees De L'Enfer comes from a hillside just next to Coteau de Vernon and was first made in 1992. It's brought up exactly like the Coteau de Vernon, so the difference (and there are always differences between the two wines) are all due to terroir. Stunning notes of ripe citrus, orange pith, spice, and floral notes all emerge from the glass, and this medium to full-bodied Condrieu has good acidity, a vibrant, elegant texture, and a great finish. It's not a blockbuster, but this estate made sure to hold onto a sense of freshness and purity in both their 2017s and 2018s. Both 2017 and 2018 were scorchers for the Northern Rhône, which can be difficult for Condrieu, yet Christine Vernay has done a brilliant job in both vintages. These wines show plenty of richness and depth yet hold onto a terrific sense of purity and freshness.

The 2017 Condrieu les Chaillees de l'Enfer offers up unusually subdued aromas of apricot and citrus. It's a reined-in vintage, showing ample tension on the medium to full-bodied palate and finishing velvety, with hints of crushed stone and pencil oak. Like the other 2017s from Vernay, it's about balance and focus more than flamboyance or power.

This has a rich and ripe apricot nose with lightly toasted almonds and a ripe, fresh-peach feel. The palate has a very supple, rich and smooth build of ripe orchard fruit. Super attractive and fleshy. Drink now.