Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Chateau Grillet
Label Name:
 
Château Grillet AOC
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Northern Rhône (Château-Grillet AOC, near Condrieu)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Viognier
Method:
 
Hand-harvested, parcel vinification with slow pressing; fermentation in stainless steel and oak; partial malolactic conversion; aged ~18–24 months in French oak (low % new).
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
10-12
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated Viognier with apricot, peach, tangerine, white flowers, honeyed stone-fruit and crushed-stone minerality; rich, oily texture balanced by bright acidity and a long saline finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: truffled foie gras, roasted turbot, lobster with beurre blanc, Bresse chicken in cream. Asian: Thai green curry with prawns, Szechuan-style seafood, lemongrass-marinated fish, richer sushi (seared tuna) and savoury dim sum.
Vineyard Info:
 
Monopole estate (~3.5–3.8 ha) producing a single Viognier wine. Historic site, acquired by the Pinault/Artémis Domaines in June 2011; moving toward biodynamic practices and high-quality, low-yield viticulture.
Awards/Ratings:
 
High scores from major critics for the 2018 vintage: Jeb Dunnuck 98, Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 96–98, Vinous 95–96; reviewed by Decanter and featured by multiple retailers and auction sites