The 2003 Condrieu Les Terrasses de l’Empire is the lightest of the trio, with lemon, honey, buttered citrus and floral aromas and flavors, medium-bodied depth and richness, and juicy acidity. It lacks the mid-palate and depth found in the other two cuvees, yet is still drinking beautifully and offers plenty of character. In this case, I’d opt for drinking bottles over the coming couple of years. While I generally feel Condrieu show best in their first 3-5 years of life, all three of these efforts from Georges Vernay were stunning. They certainly make me open up my drink windows on these wines.

Aromas and flavors of fresh cut mango and papaya unfurl in this bright white, with nice peach and mineral notes in the background. Long, open-knit finish. Drink now through 2006. 1,830 cases made, 84 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Condrieu Select to Add