1996 E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 92 points

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  5/10/2024 - gparker777 Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Given how far past the drinking window we are—probably by about 20 years—this 1999 E. Guigal La Doriane Condrieu still remarkably holds onto some of its fruit character and offers an intriguing tasting experience. The nose is pleasantly surprising with white floral and orange blossom, alongside apricot and peach. Although the usual rich, luscious stone fruit flavors are more subdued, the palate is solid and well-balanced, presenting medium dryness with hints of melon, nutmeg, and a flinty or stony quality that lends an elegant length. There's also a noticeable oiliness, which I guess is typical of Viognier, which rounds out the texture. Overall, this wine impresses with its resilience and complexity. I feel like it should get an extra point or two for making it this far!

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  8/11/2009 - Mark wrote:

  Seems to be seriously declining, not surprising after thirteen years. Last bottle, no further tasting notes.

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  2/26/2006 - Mark wrote: 92 Points

  Wow, a 10 year old Condrieu tasting this good? I stumbled on this bottle in the cellar realizing that it’s best days were long gone. I first had it at the French Laundry in Napa many years ago and was so impressed, I bought a case. Most of it was long gone but two bottles managed to survive. My last tasting of the La Doriane two years ago was very disappointing, clearly that was a bottle well past it’s prime. With that, I haven’t been too eager to pop the cork on the next one. Clearly a night and day difference. The nose fill with thick dense tropical fruits, pineapple, apricot predominate. My memory of the previous bottle was dry smoke with little fruit. No such problem here, the fruit is just spilling over the rim. Some smoke on the finish, with linger apricot combined for a medium length finish. The fact that this wine is tasting this good after ten years is just a statement to the quality of the La Doriane. However, given my past disappointing experiences with this vintage, this bottle is clearly the exception from the norm. But what a bottle. Wow!

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