“From vines in Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie, Vernay’s signature tradition of excellence is one of elegance, with the whites showing excellent poise and the reds dominated by red fruit and silky textures.” – Wine Advocate

You know it’s not your typical day when it’s Vernay Day!

Condrieu is what Vernay is famous for, and they are HARD TO GET, especially deal-priced!

Per Jeb Dunnuck, Vernay makes “the Romanée-Conti of Condrieu”, so what you’re looking at is the “Montrachet” of Viognier, the flagship of all of Vernay’s mythical whites. In other words, good luck finding a better expression of it anywhere else on the planet; there is none!

Getting any from the importer was not easy, cases they import are 30-35 tops, and the fact that we got a half off deal on top of the big scores and the scarcity is a small miracle in itself.

As Wine Spectator wrote, Vernay “is the reference point for the Condrieu appellation.” Wine Advocate further elaborates, “Vernay’s fame primarily comes from the family’s long-time position as one of the leaders and reference points of the Condrieu appellation.”* Foremost Rhône Valley expert Jeb Dunnuck adds; “the benchmark estate in Condrieu is unquestionably that of Christine Vernay. Taking over the estate from her father in 1997, she consistently produces one of the finest lineups of Condrieu in every vintage. She is at the top of her game, and readers looking for the best Condrieu has to offer need look no further. While I generally feel Condrieu show best in their first 3-5 years of life, Vernay’s stunning efforts certainly make me open up my drink windows on these wines. This is an estate that, without a doubt, merits your attention and hard-earned money.”

Very little of this other tremendous opportunity.

95 Points – Decanter “It was Georges Vernay who spearheaded efforts to save the appellation when it nearly died out in the 1960s. It’s now led by his daughter Christine, who is gradually handing over to her daughter Emma. This might be their entry-level cuvée, but it’s consistently highly impressive. From organically farmed vines in the lieux-dits of La Caille and Ste-Agathe, fermented in small tronconic wooden foudres. Matt Walls: Flamboyant and exuberant, with oodles of rich, ripe peach fruit. Very full-bodied, but with a good sense of freshness to cut through the oak and fat. Finishes long, very concentrated and impressive. Cat Lomax: Rounded tropical nose, ripe peach and hints of parma violet. Decent concentration, very floral palate and juicy acidity. Tanguy Martin: Open nose with hints of white and black pepper, stony minerality. Generous without being overtly so. Great length. Drink 2023-2030.”