2018 Condrieu Les Cassines

The 2018 Condrieu Les Cassines is a juicy, citrus, and mineral-laced effort that has medium-bodied richness, notable balance, and a great finish. It's slightly closed aromatically, but I suspect that will be cured with 6-8 months of bottle age. Readers who love older vintages of Jaboulet’s flagship Hermitage La Chapelle should be happy with how owner Caroline Frey has managed this domaine since taking over in 2006. She has singlehandedly brought this estate back to its former glory, particularly with their Hermitage releases. Their second wine today, the Maison Bleue, is unquestionably a better wine than many past vintages of their flagship La Chapelle, and I suspect will age even longer.