Domaine Georges Vernay - Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Emma Amsellem joined her mother Christine Vernay to promote the rugged slopes of Condrieu and Côte Rôtie, lands bathed in sunshine when frost does not interfere, as in 2021, a vintage that Emma is not likely to forget since she had just returned to the estate. Despite the unpredictable weather, it was a very successful year for whites, with well-defined saline expressions. A vintage that showcases all the splendor of the Vernon hillside.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

A co-fermented blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur 2022 evokes a complex, fresh, and elegant bouquet of spices, smoke, violet, rose, and dark wild berries mixed with a hint of herbs. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, taut and juicy, it is elegant, with discreet tannins, good depth at the heart and a taut, energetic mid-palate, leading to a long, salty and appetizing finish. Fermented with 10% whole clusters and made from vines planted in Coteaux de Semmons, Bassenon, and the young vines of Maison Rouge, this classic, well-made, and surprising Côte-Rôtie was aged in barrels, 10% of which were new.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Christine Vernay, who brilliantly took over the reins of this iconic Condrieu estate in 1996, is gradually handing over the reins to her daughter, Emma Amsellem. While the estate is closely linked to the history of the Condrieu appellation, of which it remains the most brilliant representative, it also offers a remarkable selection of red wines, whose aging has been refined in recent years. Tasting a Condrieu cuvée aged for a good decade here allows you to understand the potential of this terroir, which is too often overshadowed by the varietal notes of Viognier. The energy and potential contained in the estate's wines serve as a benchmark.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Deep blue-violet color. Classic Syrah aromas of black pepper and olive brine, accompanied by notes of juicy blueberry and plum, incense, and hibiscus tea. Lively, with refreshing acidity and grainy tannins. It has a long life ahead of it, but can be enjoyed now.

Vinous

About wine:

Intense aromas of violet, black cherry, red cherry, cedar, and a hint of grapefruit make up the aromatic profile of the 2022 Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur. Smooth and concentrated, the delicious 2022 is a refined Côte-Rôtie from Christine and Emma Amsellem Vernay. Co-fermented with 5% Viognier and using approximately 5% whole clusters, the 2022 was bottled in July 2024 after maturing for 18 months in a combination of old oak barrels.

James Suckling

About wine:

A well-structured, full-bodied and linear Côte-Rôtie, composed of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, revealing aromas of black cherries, roasted meat and baking spices. It is medium-bodied, with fine, firm tannins. Dense on the palate with notes of purple fruit and abundant spices. Concentrated, with a lively, vibrant and succulent character. Lingering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

Blended with 5% Viognier and sourced exclusively from the southern part of the appellation (Maison Rouge, Lancement, Bassenon), the 2022 Côte Rôtie Blonde Du Seigneur brings an extra touch of class and elegance compared to Saint Joseph, with aromas of ripe blackberries, a smoky bouquet garni, floral notes, and hints of game. These aromas linger in a medium-bodied to full-bodied Côte Rôtie, which offers a vibrant and lively palate, beautiful tannins, and well-integrated acidity. This is a classic Côte Rôtie that will evolve over two decades. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2045.