About
Founded by Francis Vernay in 1937, and located in the heart of Condrieu. The efforts of Francis Vernay were instrumental in the creation of the official Condrieu appellation in 1940. Francis was succeeded by his son Georges, who played a key role in restricting the geographical boundaries of Condrieu. In 1996, Christine Vernay, Georges’s daughter, took over as winemaker and General Manager of the Estate. Recognized as one of the great winemakers in France, several of her wines have recently been awarded the coveted 100/100 in top wine publications.
Blonde du Seigneur
Côte-Rôtie
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A chiselled, structured palate with toasted oak, pin point tannin and lean acidity. Fragrant spicy, minty tobacco leaf and raspberry.
Scores
2019 Jeb Dunnuck 92 - February 2022
Maison Rouge
Côte-Rôtie
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Along with Coteau de Vernon, the flagship of the winery. Christine Vernay sealed the fate of the winery and its reputation with this 50 year old Syrah. Fermented in wooden vats and open barrels and then aged for 24 months in 30% new French barrels. Dark fruits, liquorice, velvet.
Scores
2018 Jeb Dunnuck 94 - February 2022
Coteau de Vernon
Condrieu, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
From the very center of the appellation, this 50 to 80 year old Viognier is planted on biotite granite. Fermented and aged the same as Les Chaillées De L’Enfer. Yellow fruits, spices, quintessential.
Scores
2020 Wine Spectator 96 - 2022
Les Chaillées De L’Enfer
Condrieu, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Two hectares of south and south-east facing 50 year old Viognier vines are planted on biotite granite. Fermented in 225L barrels and then aged a further 12 to 18 months on the fine lees. Stone fruit, herbal, waxy.
Scores
2019 Jeb Dunnuck 95 - February 2022
Les Terrasses De L’Empire
Condrieu, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A mosaic of small parcels within Condrieu with the average age of Viognier being 35 years old. Fermented and aged in both barrel and wooden vats. White peach, apricot, almonds.
Scores
2020 Jeb Dunnuck 93 - February 2022
Le Pied de Samson
Collines Rhodaniennes, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Often mistaken for a Condrieu, these vines were moved to VdP Collines Rhodaniennes during the redistribution of Condrieu AOC. Fermented in wooden vats and then aged on the fine lees for an additional six months. Stone fruits, herbs, acidity.
Scores
TBA
La Dame Brune
Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Grown on the granite soils of the Chavanay municipality, this 45 year old Syrah is fermented and aged in French barrels of which only 30% are new. Dark red fruits, peppery, balanced.
Scores
2018 Wine Advocate 91
Terres D’Encre
Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
One and a half hectares of 30 year old Syrah is also grown in the municipality of Chavanay. Fermented in both stainless steel and barrel and then aged one year in old barrels. Terres D’Encre means Lands of Ink. Appropriate for this wine. Dark fruit, subtle spices, dark chocolate.
Scores
2019 Jeb Dunnuck 90 - February 2022
Fleur de Mai Syrah
Collines Rhodanienne, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
50 year old Syrah vines that are planted adjacent to Condrieu, hence VdP Collines Rhodaniennes. Fermented in stainless steel and barrel and then aged about 8 months in wooden vats. Very similar in profile to Côte-Rôtie. Black cherries, game, green pepper.
Scores
TBA
Saint-Agathe Syrah
Collines Rhodanienne, Northern Rhône
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Grown on the Condrieu appellation this 40 year old Syrah must also be classified as VdP Collines Rhodaniennes. Decaying granite soils, fermented in stainless steel and aged in older barrel (no new). Red berries, pepper, fresh.
Scores
TBA