2003 Condrieu La Doriane
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Tasting notes
(done entirely in new barriques Much more fruit-driven aromas of peach, apricot and ginger, with the oak serving to lift the fruit. Suave, spicy and penetrating, conveying an even drier impression than the regular Condrieu. This has serious, densely packed fruit flavors of pineapple and apricot, lifted by a floral element. Not particularly oily, especially in the context of the vintage, and very different in style from the regular bottling) more sharply delineated and penetrating. "This was too big for the cask," noted Philippe, who told me that this cuvee also reached 15% alcohol in vintages 2000 and 1998.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
There is only half the normal production of the Condrieu La Doriane (100% barrel-fermented and aged on its lees with routine batonnage) in 2003 because of the vintage’s absurdly low yields. What is in the bottle, however, is spectacular. An exotic, flamboyant white, it boasts marvelous concentration, huge fruit, and a fragrant perfume of smoke, honeysuckle, and confiture of white currants. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153
There is only half the normal production of the Condrieu La Doriane (100% barrel-fermented and aged on its lees with routine batonnage) in 2003 because of the vintage’s absurdly low yields. What is in the bottle, however, is spectacular. An exotic, flamboyant white, it boasts marvelous concentration, huge fruit, and a fragrant perfume of smoke, honeysuckle, and confiture of white currants. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. Dec 2004, www.robertparker.com