2006 Viognier, Vin de Pays, Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin

Condrieu, the spiritual homestead of Viognier, is a minute appellation which produces some now-gloriously expensive wines. Just to the west, a little further from the great River, some vineyards, which, to the untrained eye, are exactly the same, yet classified as Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaneans. Jean Michel’s wine does not see oak, but shares the viscosity and indulgent peachy richness of his Condrieu. Fuller bodied and longer en bouche than the Coudoulet, this would work well with crab salad or vegetable terrine. (Simon Field, MW, BBR Buyer)