Condrieu Deponcins 2017

FRANCOIS VILLARD

Condrieu Deponcins
2017

Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Rhône Valley
Subregion
Northern Rhone
Appellation
Condrieu
Varietal(s)
Viognier 100 %
Alcohol percentage
13.5%
Colour
White
Producer's website

About this winery

A trained chef, Francois Villard developed a passion for wine at the age of 20. Unsure how to enter the wine world, he completed a year of professional certification in sommellerie at Tain l’Hermitage. The connections he made there were pivotal, inspiring him to become a winemaker.

See the FRANCOIS VILLARD detail page for more information on this brand

Press reviews

Decanter

- 96 points -

Matt Walls, September 2021 (Vintage 2020)

Full-bodied, with quite noticeable oak at this stage. Wonderful sense of freshness, however, and great precision. Long, lush and generous yet defined, this is a very classic Condrieu in all its resplendent flamboyance. Cooling almond and coconut on the finish. From 25-year-old Viognier grown on granite soils in the villages of Chavanay and Vérin, fermented at low temperatures with indigenous yeasts. Spends 11 months in barrel, one third new, six months of which sees weekly lees stirring. Tasted non-blind.

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Vinous

- 94 points -

Josh Raynolds, April 2020 (Vintage 2017)

  • Shimmering straw-gold. Heady orange, honeydew melon, peach nectar and violet aromas show outstanding clarity and emphatic, mineral lift. Silky and taut on entry, then broader on the mid-palate, offering ripe citrus and pit fruit and candied ginger flavors that are complemented by emerging anise and vanilla qualities. Finishes with powerful mineral cut and sharp focus, leaving a suave floral note behind.

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Wine Spectator

- 94 points -

Kristen Bieler, 2023 (Vintage 2020)

A hedonistic display of green pear, tropical fruit and brioche is reined in by smoke and mineral notes as well as a firming spine of bitter-edged acidity. Singed wild herbs, heather and green almond chime in on the silky palate in this tightly coiled version, which has the power and energy to evolve beautifully with time. Drink now through 2030. 946 cases made, 30 cases imported.

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James Suckling

- 93 points -

(Vintage 2017)

Such wonderfully intense, ripe apricot aromas here with ripe peaches, grilled pears and lemons. The palate has beautiful richness and a smooth-honed, creamy, peach and apricot-custard core. Fluid and alluring. Drink now.

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Jancis Robinson

17

Richard Hemming MW, 2018 (Vintage 2017)

Tasted blind. Malty, rich palate with candied tropical fruits and a touch of floral character. Loads of flavour range here – shows that Viognier isn't just about peach and apricot. Very heavy – but not leaden.

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