Domaine Georges Vernay Les Chaillées de l'Enfer Condrieu 2019

From the mid-slope portion of the lieu-dit of La Caille, from vines planted in the 1960s and '70s, the 2019 Condrieu les Chaillees de l'Enfer ratchets up the intensity over the entry-level Les Terrasses de l'Enfer. Rich, ripe notes of melon and apricot are joined by hints of spring flowers and toasted grain (this cuvée spends a year in a mix of foudre and barrique, 20% new). It's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and opulent, balanced by a long, spicy finish. Drink date: [Now]-2024. Score - 94. (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, Jan. 20, 2022) 750 mL bottle