Domaine François Merlin
2011 Condrieu Cuvée Jeanraude
The domaine’s top cuvée, this is François Merlin’s “keeping wine”, the one he takes out to show off to guests. “A definite cut above” Merlin’s other Condrieu, according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth.
A beautiful nose makes this wine immediately appetizing. Hints of oak and citrus—blood oranges come to mind—nutmeg, sandalwood, white peaches, and even mint come up out of the glass. The sort of wine that’s as pleasurable to smell as it is to drink—but don’t forget to sip. You won’t want to miss the rich, complex, yet sophisticated flavors on offer. A long, intense finish gives a sense of power, yet never overpowering. Delicious now, but likely to keep through around 2017.
Food pairing: Aperitif, Arugula salad, baked squash, cold pasta with broad beans or other seasonal vegetables, light curry dishes
Sweet spice predominates on the nose. The palate is rich and heady, with intensely concentrated stone fruit and floral flavors leading to a dry finish characterized by chalky mineral notes.
Food pairing: Thai food; fruit tarts
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: | 2011 |
| Maturity: | 2015 |
| Alcohol: | 14% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | White |
| Varietal: | Viognier |
| Flavors: | Peach, Apricot, Honey |
| Body: | Medium-Full |
| Soul: | Complex |
