"Fragrant and as it should be. Lots of apricot and peach on the nose and then a fine almond-kernel bitter freshness on the palate. Dry but quite rich. Well judged. (JH)" (11/10) -16.5 out of 20 points, Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages

Producer:
"Known as a Condrieu "master", Francois has grown his tiny domaine from 4 to 7 hectares and still produces a minuscule amount of highly allocated bottling. Referred to by Robert Parker as one of the few "stars" of the Northern Rhone, Francois has recently acquired a small parcel in Cote-Rotie and a few areas in St. Joseph."

"Formerly a chef, Francois brings his brings his complex palate to the winery to produce wines of power and grace that age for years. Francois Villard's strategy is to allow for the most optimal ripening period possible."

"His wines, as a result, are rich and concerted with complex aromas of peaches, apricots, honeysuckle, and honey for the whites and leather and spice for the reds/ The whites are often allowed to develop botrytis and most of the wines pass though wood aging for an extended amount of time to prepare them for a very long life in bottle." -Importer