The 1994s include the delicious 1994 Condrieu Les Terrasses du Palat. It possesses good ripeness and fruit, crisp acidity, a dry, austere character, and an elegant, complex, mineral-dominated finish. In its measured, restrained, mineral style, it lacks some of the showboat characteristics exhibited by some Condrieu, but it is very good. Villard is one of the young, serious producers who has an intellectual as well as artistic approach to making Condrieu. His wines are given extensive lees contact, with certain cuvees aged in 100% new oak, and bottled with minimal processing. They are expressionistic, firmly structured Condrieus that stand apart in a tasting for both their power and concentration.
Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949