Yves Cuilleron - Condrieu Les Chaillets 2024

Yves Cuilleron is the leading winemaker in the entire Northern Rhône, currently cultivating 65 hectares and producing about 20 wines, primarily from Saint-Joseph, Condrieu, and Côte Rôtie; only the Crozes is made from purchased grapes. Native yeasts and aging in oak (9 months for whites, 18 months for reds) define a style that is certainly oaky but one in which each terroir ultimately comes through. Starting with the 2015 vintage, each appellation offers a cuvée named after a specific vineyard parcel. One of the leading estates in the Rhône Valley.

A leading producer in the northern valley, particularly known for its Condrieu wines. Based in Chavanay, Yves Cuilleron took over the estate in 1987—an estate founded in 1920 by his paternal grandfather and later managed by his uncle Antoine. He has gradually expanded the estate (now 70 hectares), which is planted at high density and managed in a highly sustainable manner on the right bank of the Rhône (Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Péray, and Cornas) and, since 2012, on the left bank (Crozes-Hermitage).

In 1987, Yves Cuilleron took over the family estate founded by his grandfather in 1920. Dynamic and enterprising, Yves has continued to expand the estate, which now spans 90 hectares across the major appellations of the northern Rhône Valley, complemented by a wine trading business. The style of the wines has become more refined in recent years, and the focus on terroir continues to grow thanks to a very interesting range of single-vineyard wines. It is a trusted producer.

Aromas of apricot, almond, and nectarine. The palate is juicy, rich, opulent, and full-bodied. A welcome freshness lies beneath the rich core.

The 2024 Condrieu Les Chaillets, full of charm, bursts from the glass with pronounced aromas of lemon pulp, peach, and slightly ripe apricot, along with airy, expressive notes of cedar and pastry. Bursting with vigor, the 2024 far surpasses the 2023 and 2022 vintages, displaying astonishing overall verve and finesse. Condrieu enthusiasts would be well advised to snap this one up.