Domaine Georges Vernay, founded by Francis Vernay in 1937, is a third-generation, venerable wine producer, located in the heart of Condrieu, France. The efforts of Francis Vernay were instrumental in the creation of the official Condrieu appellation in 1940. In later years, Francis was succeeded by his son Georges, who played a key role in restricting the geographical boundaries of Condrieu, preserving the character of the appellation and ensuring its future greatness. In 1996, Christine Vernay, Georges' daughter, took over as winemaker and General Manager of the Estate. Recognized as one of the great winemakers in France, several of her wines have recently been awarded the coveted 100 points in the world’s top wine publications; remarkable - since the 2011 vintage, not a score below 96 from Jeb Dunnuck for the Coteau de Vernon. Among the top two or three Condrieu in any vintage, the Coteau de Vernon comes from very old vines planted in 1936 and 1960, on the steep granite slopes just behind the Vernay estate.
The flagship Côte Rôtie, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge comes from a lieu-dit in the southern part of the appellation, and this terroir always yields a more finesse-driven, elegant style of wine. Gorgeous black raspberry, spring flowers, bay leaf, sandalwood, and exotic spice notes characterize this rich, full-bodied, beautifully textured Côte Rôtie. With sweet yet present tannins, an expansive mouthfeel, and integrated oak, this stunning, young, unevolved 2017 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15 years or more.
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2020)
Shimmering purple. A strongly scented bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, pungent wisteria, licorice and exotic spices, along with a smoky mineral quality and a hint of black pepper. Broad and fleshy but lively on the palate, offering concentrated Chambord, cherry, cassis and fruitcake flavors that are enlivened by building spice and floral accents. Smooth, steadily building tannins add shape to an extremely persistent finish that echoes the spice and floral notes. One-third whole clusters and one-third new oak.
95 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (Apr 2020)
Lively, with lots of savory and iron streaks amidst the steeped cherry and plum fruit, ending with a flurry of mouthwatering mineral notes on the finish. Sleek and piercing in feel. Best from 2021 through 2036.
95 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Dec 2020)
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