2016 Condrieu La Combe de Malleval

I was blown away by the 2016 Condrieu La Combe De Malleval, which offers more depth and richness than the more expensive Vignes de Jacques Vernay release. White flowers, tangerine, apricot and a touch of white grapefruit nuances all flow to a full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless Condrieu that has incredible class and length. It will keep for 4-5 years and is one of the top releases in the vintage. I was able to taste the 2015s from the incredibly talented Stéphane Ogier twice, once during my visit at the estate, which was just after bottling, and then again from bottles shipped to my office in Colorado. These are ripe, polished, sexy wines from Stéphane that show the purity as well as the opulence of this great, great vintage. The 2016 vintage was compared to 2006 by Ogier, which was a solid, under the radar vintage from the northern Rhône. The barrel samples all showed terrific purity of fruit and balanced styles, and should check in near the top of the vintage. This estate is certainly at the top of its game and readers looking for some of the most profound Côte Rôties out there are advised to get on this estate’s bandwagon.

Weighing in at under 12.5% alcohol, the 2016 Condrieu la Combe de Malleval is a light to medium-bodied Viognier that showcases the floral, spicy side of the grape. It’s crisp, clean and refreshing.

Gorgeous banana, apricot and peach aroma. Bursting with fragrance and floral notes. Impressive, bold, but not over the top. Typically extrovert Viognier fruitiness throughout. (RH)