"Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com 91/100
Brilliant straw. Aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, honey and violet take on a mineral element with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense Meyer lemon and Anjou pear flavors that show fine definition and no excess fat. The long, floral-tinged finish features a hint of pear nectar and a repeating mineral note."
A five star domaine. Yves Cuilleron took over the reins as the 4th generation vigneron in 1987. He is based in Chavanay, just south of Condrieu and has built up a formidable reputation in recent years. Always developing new ideas and cuvées, he now owns and leases over 75 hectares. They are all great wines and they are all in the style of Yves Cuilleron, lingering, rich white wines and big rich minerally reds. Yves is a totally driven man with a growing family, a part share with other top growers in vineyards on the eastern side of the Rhône, and an excellent bistrot in Ampuis. He has a fantastic new cellar, purpose-built and temperature controlled.
The Viognier for this cuvée is sourced from vineyards in the village of Chavanay planted on granite soils. The fermentations (alcoholic and malolactic) are done in stainless steel, then the wine is racked into a mix of stainless steel cuvees and small barrels for a six-month elevage before bottling.
