Ferraton Condrieu Les Mandouls 2017

Mostly aged in stainless steel, the 2017 Condrieu les Mandouls offers hints of honey and orange blossom on the nose but also crisp pineapple fruit. With no malolactic fermentation, this medium to full-bodied wine finishes crisp and zesty, hinting at citrus pith.

I love Condrieu, and the 2017 Condrieu Les Mandouls reminds me why. Possessing a beautiful bouquet of white peach, pineapple, honeyed citrus, and white flowers, it has beautiful richness and depth on the palate, good acidity, and just loads of character and charm. It’s a fabulous wine. This 2017 was brought up 40% in demi-muids, with the balance in stainless steel, and will drink great for 3-4 years.

Fermented with indigenous yeasts, half in stainless steel and half in foudre, then kept on the fine lees with occasional stirring for 12 months, with malolactic fermentation. It spends six additional months ageing in bottle before release, unfined. The 2017 has a beautiful clarity of jasmine aroma, while the palate is full-bodied but with a degree of energy and a mineral dimension that brings refreshment on the long, pure finish, even though the acidity is on the low side. Authentic, unforced and not overly oaked, this is a success for the vintage.

This has attractive spice, ginger and apricots, as well as orange zest on the nose. The palate offers quite a plush, smoothly polished and ripe feel with apricot nectar, mango and lemon curd to close. Drink now.