The delicately elusive perfume suggests pears, spice, and honeysuckle, while on the palate the wine is surprisingly rich and full-bodied, a wine for both the intellect and the senses.

Condrieu is the original home of the Viognier vine and is the source of one of the world’s most exotic white wines. The tiny, parcelated appellation (500 acres total) is located on steep hillsides beginning at a bend in the Rhône river just south of Côte Rôtie and continuing intermittently about 12 miles further south. Marcel Guigal supplements the production of his own Condrieu vineyards with grapes purchased from numerous small growers, vinifying two thirds of the wine in stainless steel and the remainder in new barriques. Condrieu may be enjoyed as aperitif with foie gras, lobster and other rich seafoods, and white asparagus.

The totally dry 2009 Condrieu offers exotic lychee, pineapple, peach and honeysuckle characteristics along with full-bodied fruit, good acidity and minerality, a luscious mouthfeel and heady alcohol (14.5%). It should drink nicely for 2-3 years; 92 Points; The Wine Advocate

Bright, engaging persimmon, tangerine and white peach notes characterize this juicy, nicely defined white, which shows bolder anise and green melon flavors on the finish. 91 Points; Wine Spectator