Domaine Georges Vernay - Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Emma Amsellem has joined her mother Christine Vernay to develop the rugged hillsides of Condrieu and Côte Rôtie, lands drenched in sunshine when frost doesn't interfere, as in 2021, a vintage Emma is not about to forget since she had just returned to the domaine. Beyond the vagaries of the weather, the year was a great success for the whites, with saline expressions well in place. A vintage in which we find all the splendor of the Vernon hillside.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

A co-fermented blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur 2022 evokes a complex, fresh and elegant bouquet of spice, smoke, violets, rose and dark wild berries mixed with a hint of herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, taut and juicy, it's elegant, with a discreet tannic structure, good core depth and a taut, energetic mid-palate, leading to a long, saline, mouthwatering finish. Fermented with 10% whole bunches and made from vines planted on the Coteaux de Semmons, Bassenon and the young vines of Maison Rouge, this classic, well-made and astonishing 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 domain :

Christine Vernay, who brilliantly took over the reins of this emblematic Condrieu estate in 1996, is slowly handing over to her daughter, Emma Amsellem. While the estate is intimately linked to the history of the Condrieu appellation, of which it is still the most brilliant representative, it also offers a remarkable selection of reds whose maturation has been refined in recent years. Tasting a decade-old Condrieu cuvée here reveals the potential of this terroir, too often overwhelmed by the varietal notes of Viognier. The energy and potential contained in the estate's wines set a benchmark.

Jancis Robinson

About the 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 the 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 the wine:

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

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Blended with 5% Viognier and sourced exclusively from the southern part of the appellation (Maison Rouge, Lancement, Bassenon), Côte Rôtie Blonde Du Seigneur 2022 brings an extra touch of class and elegance to the Saint Joseph, with aromas of ripe blackberries, a garnished smoky bouquet, floral notes and hints of game. These aromas carry over into a medium to full-bodied Côte Rôtie, offering a vibrant, lively mouthfeel, fine tannins and well-integrated acidity. This is a classic Côte Rôtie that will evolve for two decades. Drink between 2025 and 2045.