Yves Cuilleron La Petite Cote Condrieu 2012 (Condrieu, Northern Rhone)
13%, Cork,  $90

There is Viognier and then there is Cuilleron Condrieu…

This may as well be a different variety from your typical Aussie Viognier really, with this managing to balance phenolic drive, acidity and fruit power, the result bloody delicious. Even more amazing given that this was wild fermented and matured in barrique for nine months, going through full malo – lots of winemaking ‘work’ but no hint of the flab you’d normally expect, even for Condrieu.

There’s a dash of the Goulburn Valley 3 Fruits in Syrup juiciness on the nose, yet it just gets tighter from there, the palate driven by phenolic grip and acidity, that fruit expression kept in check perfectly.

If anything this needs another year for the palate to fill out a little. But otherwise, how good is this? Bloody good.

Source: Tasting
Tasted: August 2014
Drink: 2014-2020+
Score: 18.1/20, 93/100+
Would I buy it? Oh yes. I can’t afford it but I’d like to drink it.
Buy online: France-Soir selections,