2020 Condrieu Les Vieilles Vignes de Jacques Vernay

The 2020 Condrieu Les Vieilles De Jacques Vernay shows the vibrant, racy style favored at this address in the whites, while still being concentrated, layered, rich, and lengthy. Tangerines, crushed stone, flowers, spice, and hints of nuts all flow to a medium to full-bodied, laser focused Condrieu that saturates the palate with fruit and richness while staying light and graceful. I’d put this up with the top handful of Condrieu in the vintage. As with the Combe de Malleval, a year in bottle is recommended and it will keep through 2030 as well, although more age isn’t always better.

On the nose alone, this is clearly something special. Great intensity on the palate; it's focused and deeply saline. Concentrated, very fresh, with great energy and precision. Moderate alcohol and balanced acidity. To be released on the market in two years.

A well-driven, focused and tense Condrieu. Aromas of dried lemons, stone fruit, cedar and grilled almonds. Full-bodied with bright acidity. Plenty of vitality and verve, with a very focused core of fruit on the mid-palate. Juicy and refreshing while having great volume and harmony. Round and dense with a lively finish. Drink or hold.