From a much cooler vintage, the 2014 Condrieu Vertige is another seriously good effort that sports terrific notes of flower oil, citrus and hints of apricot jam in a fresh, lively and juicy style. The nose is richer than the palate, and the wine finishes with bright acidity. Drink it over the coming couple of years.

The richest and most textured in the lineup, the 2012 Condrieu Vertige comes from a single plot planted in the Coteau de Vernon. Barrel fermented and aged, it delivers impressive aromas and flavors of ripe apricot, tangerine, toast, spice and citrus blossom, with distinct minerality. Medium to full-bodied, with a layered mid-palate and good acidity, it will drink nicely for 4-5 years, possible longer. Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

My favorite of the lineup (and the only 2011 presented), the 2011 Condrieu Vertige (same elevage as the 2012) has gorgeous notes of flower oil, lychee nut, vanilla bean and hints of apricot that flow to a rich, classy, medium to full-bodied Condrieu that dishes out gobs of fruit and texture, yet never seems heavy or over the top. Certainly, it-s made in a rich style though, and deserves a classy meal. Enjoy it over the coming couple of years (although I suspect it will last longer). Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

Powerful and dense, showing gorgeous range to the creamed peach, pear, fig and ginger flavors, with lovely mouthfeel on the caressing finish, which is filled with toasted hazelnut and brioche. This has the buried minerality for finesse and balance, despite its obvious power. A stunner. Drink now through 2016. 341 cases made, 5 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Condrieu Select to Add