Georges Vernay
Northern Rhone (France)
“For a dry wine it has an opulence that borders on the narcotic. To think this style was nearly lost forever is chilling. Georges Vernay played a vital role in its history, and the domaine that bears his name remains the appellation’s most famous. However, while Condrieu made the Vernay name, its Côte-Rôties have also been turning heads.” – Decanter
Christine Vernay has now fully established herself. She is not just a top Condrieu vigneron, but a top Northern Rhône vigneron, period.” – James Molesworth (Wine Spectator)
GEORGES VERNAY
Viognier Le Pied De Samson 2022
TASTING NOTE
Jancis Robinson, “Varietal nose in the savoury spectrum. Full and layered. Rich at
first and then lively and bright-fruited on the palate. If you can’t afford Condrieu,
this would make an excellent alternative. Long. Proper wine! ”
GEORGES VERNAY
Condrieu Les Terrasses de l’Empire 2022
TASTING NOTE
Robert Parker, “The 2022 Condrieu les Terrasses de l’Empire is pure and elegant,
offering up aromas of white pear, peach, flowers and honeysuckle, followed by a
medium to full-bodied, rich and enrobing palate with a dense, fleshy core of fruit
and a sensual palate that segues into a fresh, long and quite saline finish,
highlighted by a subtle bitterness. Crafted from several parcels that are in the upper
steep slopes of the estate, it’s a great classic at this address and, as always, an
excellent Condrieu.”
GEORGES VERNAY
Condrieu Les Chaillees de l'Enfer 2022
TASTING NOTE
Robert Parker, “Picked in early September, the 2022 Condrieu les Chaillees de l’Enfer
is one of the standouts this year, as is so often the case, unfurling in the glass with
aromas of almond blossoms, pear, white peach, chamomile and fresh flowers, giving
the sensation of a cold vintage’s aroma profile despite the dry, hot conditions of the
year. Full-bodied, dense and rich, it’s perfectly balanced with a satiny attack, a
broad, fleshy core of fruit and a long, demonstrative and quite elegant finish. It’s a
terrific effort that transcends the vintage.”
GEORGES VERNAY
Fleurs de Mai Syrah 2021
TASTING NOTE
Wine Spectator, “This bright, alluring wine leads with violet, plum and black pepper,
all wrapped around a core of graphite. Sleek and energetic, with mouthwatering
acidity and a subtle kiss of salt and vanilla, this is focused and very fresh. Best from
2024 through 2030. 484 cases made”
GEORGES VERNAY
Sainte Agathe Syrah 2021
TASTING NOTE
Robert Parker, “Vernay’s only 2016 Condrieu to be bottled at the time of my tasting, the 2016 Condrieu les Terrasses de l’Empire reflects the restrained house style, marrying appealing notes of honeysuckle and lime with crushed stone. It expands slightly into a pleasantly plump mid-palate, then finishes dry, crisp and austere. It should drink well for a few years.”
Jancis Robinson, “Sumptuous and silky textured with very seductive rich aromas but quite enough freshness. Long and rather glorious.”
GEORGES VERNAY
Saint Joseph Terres d'Encre 2021
TASTING NOTE
James Suckling, “A vibrant and well-structured St.-Joseph with intense violet aroma
in the nose and on the palate. This is well complemented by the crisp tannins and
smoky character. Racy and very mineral at the long linear finish. From the most
northern point of the appellation. Matured in used barriques. From organically
grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.”
GEORGES VERNAY
Côte-Rôtie - La Blonde du Seigneur 2020
TASTING NOTE
Wine Spectator, “A powerful, richly styled wine, offering loads of enticing black
cherry and cassis, then veering into savory territory with meaty, briny undertones
of smoke, iodine and wet earth. Pretty lilac highlights adorn the well-hewn finish.
Syrah and Viognier. Best from 2024 through 2033. 1,167 cases made”
GEORGES VERNAY
Côte-Rôtie - “Maison Rouge" 2018
TASTING NOTE
Robert Parker, “The 2018 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge emanates from a selection of
vines planted in the 1950s—the balance of the domaine’s plantings in this lieu-dit
go into the blended Blonde de Seigneur bottling. It’s all Syrah, with about 30%
vinified as whole clusters, and matured in 20% new oak. Hints of cedar and wood
spice join red berries and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied
palate features ample depth, silky tannins and an expansive feel. The finish adds a
hint of mocha and some sturdy tannins, so give it several years in the bottle.”