93 Wine Spectator

"Really ripe and rounded, this is packed with papaya, mango, green fig and green tea notes that cascade over one another, while fresh floral and mineral hints pierce the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2011. 715 cases made." 93 Points - Wine Spectator

100% Viognier. Condrieu is from the French word "coin de ruisseau" meaning corner of the brook.

PRODUCER:
"Known as a Condrieu "master", Francois has grown his tiny domaine from 4 to 7 hectares and still produces a minuscule amount oh highly allocated bottling. Refrred to by Robert Oarker 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

VINEYARD:
Le Grand Vallon Vineyard is planted on the coveted granitic soils of the AOC. Francois likes a little botrytis whenever possible to add balance and richness to his wines. There was less than 10% botrytis in 2006. He raises this particular cuvee in 30% new French oak. The rest of the wine goes in older barrels. -Importer