2023 Andre Perret Coteau de Chery Condrieu, Northern Rhone

Here's one for André Perret's flagship Condrieu.

Perched on the impossibly steep granite slopes above the Rhône River, André Perret has earned a reputation as one of Condrieu's quiet masters. Working almost exclusively with Viognier, the family estate crafts wines of remarkable precision and elegance, with Coteau de Chéry widely regarded as its finest vineyard expression and one of the appellation's benchmark bottlings.

Coteau de Chéry is an historic, south facing hillside where ancient decomposed granite soils and low yielding vines produce Viognier of exceptional concentration and finesse. The cool influence of the Rhône, combined with careful hand harvesting and restrained oak maturation, allows the vineyard's mineral energy and floral perfume to take centre stage.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with shimmering green highlights. Aromas of apricot, white peach and ripe pear are entwined with honeysuckle, orange blossom and delicate ginger spice. The palate is richly textured yet wonderfully poised, carrying succulent stone fruit across a satin smooth palate framed by vibrant acidity and a distinctive granite driven minerality. Subtle notes of almond, citrus zest and exotic spice linger through a long, graceful finish of remarkable purity.

A magnificent partner for butter poached lobster, roast lobster with saffron beurre blanc, seared scallops, guinea fowl with morels or pumpkin ravioli finished with brown butter and sage. Although irresistible in its youth, this exceptional Condrieu will reward careful cellaring over the next ten to fifteen years.