REVIEW: 2004 Domaine Georges Vernay Cote Rotie “Blonde du Leigneur”
The Story:
Domaine George Vernay was founded by (as the name would imply) George Vernay. Today the winery and
Image courtesy of Flickr.com
vineyards are run by his children, Luc and Christine Vernay and the estate extends over 16 hectares. Seven (17.3 acres) of the 16 hectares (39.5 acres) are in the appellation Condrieu, of which three hectares (7.5 acres) are old vines producing two wines matured in barrels: the “Coteau de Vernon” and “Les Chaillées de l’Enfer”. Both wines represent the quintessence of Condrieu’s Viognier grape variety. These delicious white wines have an almost golden color and tend to be in good vintages full-bodied, unctuous and persistent.
However today I have chosen to highlight the “Blonde du Leigneur” which heralds from northern Rhone vineyards located on the western (steep) slopes of the Rhone river. This area is home to the famous AOC (appellation) of Côte Rotie. The family Vernay own about three hectares (7.5 acres) located in Côte Rotie, these vineyards are located on terraced granitic soils that faces south-to-southeast, giving these vines the perfect exposure to the sun for optimal ripening. “Blonde du Seigneur” entirely respects
the classic Côte-Rôtie tradition that combines Syrah (red) and Viognier (white). The blend is comprised of a 90 % Syrah 10% Viognier fermented together for a period of 2-3 weeks in temperature controlled vats. The wine is then matured for 18 months in barrel.
Here is my Review:
2004 Domaine Georges Vernay Côte Rotie, “Blonde du Seigneur”
The wine has a clear medium garnet core that fades to a pale garnet rim. The aromas are clean and show some developing notes of burnt match, farmyard, smoke, cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry perked up by a zesty mineral tone. On the pallet the refreshing acidity in backed by flavors of pepper and tar which is further complimented by sweet red berries, apricot and a smoky bacon fat that lingers on the finish. The alcohol is very well integrated, however the tannins are a bit coarse but seem to add a rustic quality to this otherwise well balanced and complex wine.
Rating:
I rate this wine very good as it encompasses elegance, rusticness, and balance. This wine is what is commonly referred to as a “meditation wine” (no I don’t mean that you should bring a glass to your next yoga class) a wine that evolves and requires time to contemplate before you can pass judgment on it.
Recommendation:
This is a wine that I would recommend to anyone who has been bitten by the Syrah bug, especially to those who have not yet experienced a classic Syrah from the northern Rhone. This will surely highlight the fact that Syrah can offer every thing from the power of a Barossa Valley Shiraz to a more subdued and elegant experience from Côte Rotie.
Drink this with some garlic spiked Roasted leg of Lamb with cherry sauce, or a selection of mature cheeses.
