The winemaking team put the brakes on the rich fruity side of Viognier here, going for more sculpted and fine citrus zest, saffron and apricot pit characteristics. It has a tight frame and a sense of slate physicality in the mouth from those granite soils. It's aged half in barrel, half in vat for eight months, with no new oak. This vintage saw an extremely dry July and August, with just one day of rain over the whole two months, saved by a burst of 40mm falling in one day just before harvest. This will be bottled in September, and should age extremely well over the next five years. The grapes for Maison Les Alexandrins are grown on Côteau de Chéry – where Chapoutier makes a single vineyard bottling – and Côteau de Rozay on the higher slopes of the appellation.

The medium to full-bodied 2017 Condrieu Maison les Alexandrins is a worthy follow-up to the fine 2016. It shows hints of buttered pineapple in addition to the apricot aromas and flavors, then adds hints of peppery spice and a slightly chalky texture on the lingering finish.- JC

Glistening yellow. Ripe citrus, orchard and pit fruits, succulent herbs and a hint of honey on the nose, along with a floral nuance that builds with air. Shows the ripeness of the vintage, offering juicy orange, poached pear and nectarine flavors that are given back-end cut by a spicy ginger flourish. Takes an exotic turn on the long, smooth finish, which leaves a musky papaya note behind. Drink up, with great pleasure and, hopefully, a hefty slice of funky game terrine, blue cheese or some foie gras to go along with it. - By Josh Raynolds on March 2020

The 2017 Condrieu has some toasty notes and a modern slant, yet still offers very pretty stone fruits, apricot, spice, and floral aromas and flavors. It's ripe, round, and supple on the palate, with moderate acidity, and is geared toward near-term drinking.