Domaine François Merlin
2012 Condrieu Cuvée Jeanraude
The domaine’s top cuvée, this is François Merlin’s “keeping wine”, the one he takes out to impress his guests. “A definite cut above” Merlin’s other Condrieu, according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth.
This wine has a definite barrel smell at first, lots of vanilla and some toast. As it opens up, the stonefruit starts to show. This is a dry-style wine but it is not crisp — it is robust and intense.
Food pairing: Lobster
A heady, complex wine. Toast, wood, caramel, and apricots mark the nose. Intensely flavored on the palate, with the alcohol apparent but not overpowering. Slightly tannic on the mid-palate. Powerful yet silky, buttery yet clean. Less overtly fruity than other Condrieus, but still seductive. Delicious now, and likely to remain at its peak for another year or two at least.
If you love Condrieu, don’t miss this one. An unusually fine example of the appellation.
Food pairing: Delicious to sip on its own; light herb-scented dishes, including pastas with fresh peas, beans or other legumes; rich fish or shellfish, including scallops and lobster dishes; roasted root vegetables; Condrieu often pairs surprisingly well with mild curries
The Creator of This Wine
Domaine François Merlin
Heir not to a winemaker but to a chemical engineer, François Merlin studied agriculture and learned the work of the vines in the vineyards of René Rostaing. He planted his first vineyard -- in Condrieu -- in 1987, started making his own wines in 1999, and quickly became one of the “top names” in Condrieu (according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth). His son Laurent joined him in 2013.
| Producer: | Domaine François Merlin |
| Region: | Rhone |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Maturity: | 2015-2020 |
| Alcohol: | 14% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | White |
| Varietal: | Viognier |
| Flavors: | Melon, Vanilla, Floral |
| Body: | Medium-Full |
| Soul: | Voluptuous |
