The beerenauslese-styled, spectacular 1999 Condrieu Essence d'Automne has 30% residual sugar as well as 8.9% alcohol. It is hard to predict how this amber/gold-colored wine will age, but the acidity is good, and the wine viscous, pure, and multidimensional. I would recommend drinking it over the next 7-8 years, although it may last considerably longer. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

There are only minuscule quantities of the 1999 Condrieu Essence d'Automne, but when tasted last year it was in an awkward stage. This year, it reveals a sensationally sweet, nectar-like personality. It possesses 9% alcohol and 300 grams of residual sugar. This serious, full-bodied, opulent Condrieu exhibits a botrytised, honeyed character, amazing viscosity, and surprising lightness for such thickness and sweetness. It should age well for 10-20 years, perhaps longer. It is hard to determine given my lack of experience with this style of wine. Nevertheless, it is showing far better out of bottle than it did from cask.Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

World-class dessert wine. Rich and thick (of course) and very powerful, but the flavors have the purity of sorbet--dried apricot here, fresh peach there, some honey and quince over there--all in a jammy, late-harvest style. Very sweet, very delicious. Drink now through 2025. 150 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Condrieu Select to Add