Grape: ViognierThis grape was made famous in the Northern end of France’s Rhone River Valley, specifically the appellations of Condrieu and Cote Rotie, the amazing Viognier grape produces wines with great aromatics and intense flavors. Viognier is difficult to grow and has a relatively small yield, hence the reason you do not see too much produced. As late as 1960 just 40 acres of Viognier vines were planted in the entire world, that production has since grown. It is the only grape allowed to be grown in Condrieu. The famous Cote Rotie wines of the Northern Rhone produced from mostly Syrah are allowed to have up to 20% Viognier added to them, but most only use about 5%. Viognier adds to the amazing nose on Cote Rotie.
2019 Saint Cosme Condrieu...$86.99- 100% Viognier
- Only 300 cases made
- Only 120 cases made it to the U.S.
Swirls of fresh white peach and melon juxtapose toasted notes of biscotti and charred vanilla bean in this lavish Viognier. It's an opulent dry white with a satisfying heft on the palate, edged by swathes of mint and a perfumed, blossomy finish. Stunning young, the wine should gain savory depth from 2030.
Rated 95/100 The Wine EnthusiastThis is densely packed, with rich white apricot and nectarine flavors laced with additional mirabelle, verbena and quince accents. There's enough underlying juicy energy for balance, with a long, lingering green plum accent adding nice lift. Drink now through 2025.
300 cases made, 120 cases importedRated 94/100 The Wine SpectatorClassic peach, tangerine, and honeyed flower notes emerge from the 2019 Condrieu and it’s smoking good on the palate, showing medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, supple texture, and notable purity of fruit. Readers looking for a textbook Condrieu can't go wrong with this. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.
Rated 94/100 Jeb DunnuckHoneyed aromas of super ripe fruit lead the way in Saint Cosme's 2019 Condrieu. Mango and apricot lead the way although the wine does retain a minor floral component and hints of peppery, aniseed-like spice. It's full-bodied, round and mouthfilling, yet avoids any sense of oiliness or heaviness—no small feat in a white wine that's labeled at 15% abv. Still, I'd drink this vintage young.
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate2020 Medimer Viognier...$13.99- 100% Viogner
- Rare bargain Viognier
It is hard to find a great inexpensive Viognier, so we are very excited to find this one, gorgeous nose of peaches and apricots. I has flavors of tangerine, almonds and a hint of ginger with depth and weight. Perfect for an aperitif wine and and also with seafood or spicy foods. . Early morning picking and cold temperature fermentation to preserve freshness. The lees are stirred post-fermentation to add volume to the wine and balance the fruit.
2019 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon...$86.99
