2023 E Guigal Condrieu La Doriane, Northern Rhone

The killer 2023 Condrieu La Doriane boasts gorgeous orange blossom, honeyed flowers, toasted spice, and grilled peach aromatics that build incrementally with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, focused, and pure, this brilliant effort spent 9 months in 100% new French oak and represents the crème de la crème of the vintage. I'd recommend drinking bottles over the coming 7-8 years, although it will keep longer. Drink 2025-2033.

98 points jebdunnuck.com

E Guigal Condrieu La Doriane from the Northern Rhone is a spectacular Viognier that stands among the greatest white wines of France. Produced by the Guigal family, who have been crafting Rhone wines since 1946, La Doriane represents the pinnacle of their Condrieu portfolio — a powerful, textural and aromatic masterpiece that perfectly captures the opulence and minerality of this steep, granite-rich appellation.

The grapes come from five of Condrieu’s finest vineyards — Côte Chatillon, Colombier, Roncharde, Coteau de Chéry and Vernon — all planted on precipitous south-facing terraces overlooking the Rhone River. These old Viognier vines, deeply rooted in weathered granite, produce tiny yields of intensely concentrated fruit. After hand harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in new French oak barrels, where the wine remains on lees for around 12 months. The result is a seamless blend of power, perfume and purity — unmistakably Condrieu, yet with the depth and elegance only Guigal achieves.

In the glass it glows brilliant gold. The aroma is luxurious and complex, showing apricot, peach and honeysuckle interwoven with vanilla, almond, acacia blossom and crushed stone. The palate is full bodied and richly textured, yet perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity and a mineral core. Flavours of ripe stone fruit, orange zest and honeyed spice unfold across a long, silky finish with notes of toasted hazelnut and floral lift. Every detail feels deliberate and refined, a hallmark of the Guigal house style.

It pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy mushroom dishes. It is equally stunning with aged cheeses or foie gras. While immediately captivating, it will age gracefully for 10 to 15 years, developing layers of honey, truffle and almond complexity while retaining its freshness.