2016 Condrieu
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Tasting notes
Orange peel, honey, honeysuckle and blossom, and a lemon-pith note bringing refreshment to the finish. Full, thick and glutinous. Unmistakable in its obesity. (RH)
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
(raised in stainless steel tanks and made with no malo) Limpid straw-yellow. Assertive, mineral-accented orchard fruit, melon and fennel aromas are sharpened by hints of ginger and lemon zest. Intense pear skin, Meyer lemon and violet pastille flavors show a suave blend of richness and delicacy thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Closes minerally, taut and impressively long, leaving a powerful floral note behind.
The 2016 Condrieu La Bonnette is terrific and has a pure, vibrant, classy style. Tangerine, white grapefruit, and floral notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, impeccably balanced, graceful Condrieu that has a clean, racy style that’s going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age. It’s classy stuff. The son of René, Pierre Rostaing, is now taking a more leading role in this terrific estate. The 2015s are beautiful wines, but don’t discount the 2016s, which are almost as impressive.
Since the last time I visited the domaine a few years ago, I'm happy to say the whites at Rostaing have improved in clarity and focus. The 2016 Condrieu la Bonnette is medium-bodied, offering attractive floral, apricot and spice aromas. It's not overly rich but is fresh instead, with a clean, refreshing, peppery/gingery finish. It should drink well for a few years.