Delas Freres Condrieu "La Galopine" 2022
(Northern Rhone, France) - [WS 94] [JS 93]

About the Wine:

Overview

On the right or west bank of the Rhône adjacent to the vineyards of Côte-Rôtie, the Condrieu area is one of the world‘s most elite. The steep vineyards are difficult to cultivate, and as a result only 50 acres in Condrieu are currently under vine. Here, Delas controls a small hillside vineyard in the Vérin area planted exclusively to Viognier. Soils are granite-based with a fine topsoil of decomposed mica that washes away easily. The Viognier is finicky with low yields (about 2 tons per acre), yet the limited quantities of wine it produces can be exquisite.
The climate is moderately continental, hot and dry in summer, regular rainfalls during the other seasons. The vineyard has often been a victim of history and almost disappeared on several occasions, during the barbarian invasions, in the days of the “Grandes Compagnies” (in the 17th and 18th centuries) and, more recently, at the end of the 19th century, with the phylloxera infestation. Well before the modern period, the trading port of Condrieu and its river fleet carried the reputation of its wines far and wide.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested grapes travel to the winery in small boxes. Gentle pressing produces a must that is fermented at low temperatures between 61-64°F in temperature-controlled vats in order to make the most of the complex aromas of the Viognier variety. Each year, a variable part of the crop is fermented (20% max) in new oak casks.

Tasting Notes

The color is a straw yellow, with green tinges. This Condrieu has layers of amazingly powerful and complex aromas: violets, apricots, peaches, honey and dried fruit. On the palate, these exuberant flavors are rich, powerful, and highly seductive, with an unctuous texture and a mass of exotic fruit on the finish.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
There's a smoky, sultry quality to this distinctive Condrieu, with its opulence matched with savory, contrasting dimensions. Gets its balance from bitter, phenolic peach skin zestiness and ginger, with a snappy mineral crunch. Shows a salted shortbread note on the finish. Supple and fluid yet full of energy, offering plenty of depth. Drink now through 2030. 625 cases made, 100 cases imported.

93 Points - James Suckling:
A fresh and bright wine for a pure viognier, with plenty of dried pear and apricot character plus a touch of lemon freshness. Impressive depth and remarkable energy for 14.5% alcohol. Long, elegant finish with plenty of structure in spite of the modest acidity. Drink or hold.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

Made from vines planted on steep granitic soils, the 2022 Condrieu la Galopine reveals a discreet, introverted bouquet of almonds, smoke and spices. Moderately weighted, round and supple, it's enrobing with a bit green and tense mid-palate that segues into a mouthwatering finish. It's a nice introduction to Condrieu.