August 16, 2013 - I love Condrieu but had never put to the test the common belief that even the best should be tasted young. For this reason I kept this near perfect rated bottle (Parker and every other critic) fot this test. In spite of being kept in perfect cellaring the wine has sadly past its peak. On the nose was sophisticated aromas of apricot, pear, and sweet honey. Extremely thick texture in the mouth but lacking in fruit and a sharp acidity that marked this wine as over the hill and in rapid decline. It is the amazing balance between a strong fruit profile with a solid acidity backbone that makes this wine King. I've learned my lesson: Drink it young!
April 17, 2013 - Confraria - Australia: Strange flavor and aroma of pastrami!!
October 6, 2012 - Annual Pilgrimage to Piedmont; 10/5/2012-10/7/2012 (Piedmont, Italy): Opened 2 bottles as the first one was oxidised.
Dark yellow gold in colour, a bit muted though. On the nose u feel the age with lots of mature fruit, light meaty notes. Palate wise it is a full rich wine, full of presence and requires a bit of food with it. Granted it has seen better days and one should have this sooner than later. 92
July 28, 2010 - Popped and poured. Lost some of its oily baby fat now to reveal a nice minerality with some honeysuckle. Still full throttle condrieu.
January 23, 2010 - This bottle was very closed at first. It was off the sales floor and had been exposed to temperature and light for some amount of time. However, once it began to reveal it was lovely. Massive ripe aromas of jasmine tea, peach skin, smoky oak and pine tar. Flavors took a couple sips to pin down, really dynamic. Oily and unctuous, layers of honey, jasmine, dried peach, lemon confit, green tea. Great length is enhanced by a subtle mineral texture. It is hard to say how this low acid vintage will hold up over time, plus it is tasting pretty good now.
November 29, 2009 - Slightly madeirized with a deep golden color. Still has an exquisite, ripe nose. Rich, sweet and voluptuous. Condrieu can be very interesting when it begins to turn.
April 19, 2008 - Mind blowing wine that is not for the faint of heart. Like sticking your head in a floral shop. Pinapple, rose, peach, very big, lush and thick. Not one that you will work through quickly.
January 28, 2008 - Pineapple, peach, and creamy yellow flowers. Fat and lush with plenty to contemplate. Exceptional.
June 30, 2007 - Yellow, with long legs. Rose and third-year pineapple nose. Peach, pineapple, lychee, and petrol. Full on the palate now. This is just great.
April 13, 2007 - What a nose! A bit primary but very fat and intense with low acidity. Drinking at its peak now.