Without a doubt no other domaine has focused on the small region in Northern Rhone of Condrieu with as much love and quality driven effort as Domaine Georges Vernay. Georges Vernay has put Condrieu on the map of the fine wine world and continues to be the star of the region. Today the Domaine is managed by George’s daughter Christine Vernay and her husband Paul Ansellem and holds their family run estate as one of the top three owners of Condrieu. With tiny holdings in Cote Rotie and Saint Joseph, Domaine George Vernay also creates some of the purest reds of Northern Rhone. Last week, we were honored to host the owners of Domaine Georges Vernay- Christine Vernay and Paul Ansellem- at Graileys for an exciting evening that won’t be forgotten!
The Wines of Georges Vernay
2015 Condrieu ‘Terrasses de l’Empire’
2014 Condrieu ‘Chaillees de l’Enfer’
2012 Condrieu ‘Coteau de Vernon’
2014 Condrieu ‘Coteau de Vernon’
2014 Cotes du Rhone ‘Sainte Agathe’
2014 Saint Joseph ‘Terres d’Encre’
2013 Cote Rotie ‘Blonde du Seigneur’
2012 Cote Rotie ‘Maison Rouge’
2013 Cote Rotie ‘Maison Rouge’
2014 Georges Vernay Cotes du Rhone ‘Sainte Agathe’ ($29.95/btl)- A stunning value! This is 100% Syrah from vines above the white wine region of Condrieu. This is where the value is at! Wonderfully perfumed with expressive notes of purple flowers, fresh cracked black pepper, black cherry, crushed raspberry and a lingering note of smoke.
2013 Georges Vernay Cote Rotie ‘Maison Rouge’- This powerful Syrah was my wine of the flight! From the small lieu dit of Maison Rouge in Cote Rotie, this is as pure as Syrah can get! Intense spice, licorice, black cherry, black plums with infinite layers of dark minerals and herbs, charcoal, smoke, black pepper and black olives.
2012 Georges Vernay Condrieu ‘Coteau de Vernon’ ($169.95/btl)- The star of the night! The 2012 Coteau de Vernon Condrieu was showing at the perfect stage to my taste. Lively exotic fruits: yellow peach, pineapple, guava and notes of raw honey, white flowers and cream coated the palate in a rich, seductive texture. Coupled with heightened acidity and bright minerality, this beautiful Condrieu is impeccably balanced and simple out of this world!