Domaine Georges Vernay : Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2023

A lush, broad version, with creamed peach and apricot racing alongside heather, bitter almond and green herbs. A salty mineral vein keeps the energy high, with flickers of salted butter and smoke at the end, which shows bitter contrast. Drink now through 2028. 625 cases made, 15 cases imported.

A well-driven, composed and lively Condrieu with aromas of white peaches, apples, lemon leaves, white flowers and some wild herbs. Medium-bodied with freshness at its core. Juicy and tactile, with a delicate texture and a very long, flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

100% Viognier. Aged 10 months in oak foudres. Aromatic peach-apricot notes. Sweet, ripe attack, then clean, fresh and dry on the finish. About medium weight, so not too heavy. Ready to drink but with some reserve. (JL)

Exuberant and forthright from the very first sniff. Plush stone-fruit aromas tumble out, like yellow plum and white peach flesh, wrapped in rose petals, ginger spice and something piquant and warming that recalls Aleppo chilli or curry leaf. Yet there’s also a crunch of just-ripe pear that keeps the wine feeling lively and fresh. Complex, aromatic and joyful. You could happily drink this with something equally expressive – perhaps a blue cheese, walnut and pear salad. Gorgeous Viognier from steep granite terraces in Condrieu.