2017 Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Dark, glistening violet. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry and boysenberry, joined by exotic spice, potpourri and incense nuances that build with air. Energetic and focused on the palate, offering lithe, precise red and dark berry liqueur and violet pastille flavors and hints of star anise and cracked pepper. The floral note carries powerfully through a strikingly long finish, which features resonating red fruit and mineral notes and suave, well-judged tannins. This wine's elegant character is quite something, especially in the context of a hot vintage. One-third whole clusters and 25% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Blended with 5% Viognier and from three lieu-dits, all from the south, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Blonde Du Seigneur still has quite a punch with its beautiful black raspberries, smoked earth, spice, and flower-driven aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it's slightly tight and closed and will be better in 2-3 years of bottle age. Both 2017 and 2018 were scorchers for the Northern Rhône, which can be difficult for Condrieu, yet Christine Vernay has done a brilliant job in both vintages. These wines show plenty of richness and depth yet hold onto a terrific sense of purity and freshness.
Vernay's 2017 Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur features attractive hints of mint and red berries on the nose. It's only medium-bodied, but it's admirably concentrated, with a silky-creamy texture on the palate and charming floral notes that linger on the crisp finish. It should drink well for a decade or more.
Black cherry, mint and milk chocolate. Not so much fragrance as their Terres d'Encre St-Joseph but still beautifully silky with pure cherry fruit at its heart. (RH)
About the producer
A legendary name, Domaine Georges Vernay crafts some of the finest whites in the world, having championed Condrieu when it was on the brink of extinction. The estate is best known for its single-site Coteau de Vernon Condrieu and is now in the hands of the third and fourth generation of the family.