John’s Picks

2023 Rene Rostaing Les Lezardes Viognier

92 Points John Caro
In stock
A classy and yet luscious Viognier from a Northern Rhone master. This wine is sourced from vineyards surrounding (and within, we suspect) the legendary home of the Viognier grape, in the expensive appellation of Condrieu. Rostaing is master of this poised and yet full-bodied white style, and Les Lezards offers an inexpensive glimpse of the greatness. Collect!
$49.99 in mixed 6+ or $55.99 per bottle

Grape

Viognier

Its Origins

Legal academic, property dealer and vigneron, René Rostaing crafts some of the finest Côte Rôties on the market today. He has owned 2 hectares in the Côte Blonde and La Landone since the 1970s but fortune has blessed him through his inheritance of four hectares of superbly sited vineyards from his father in law Albert Dervieux and another 1.4 hectares of particularly old vines from his uncle Marius Gentaz. He now has 7.4 hectares which in Côte Rôtie terms is a significant holding. Rostaing is firmly in the modernist camp of Côte Rôtie producers, destemming the majority of his fruit and being one of the first producers to ferment using vinomatics (horizontal automatic vinifiers). However he dislikes the overt taste of new oak and uses a maximum of 15% in the maturation process. All the wines are bottled unfiltered.

What The Critics Say

90/100 Vinous, Nicolas Greinacher

"White peach, apricot, yellow apple and a touch of mango come alive in the aromatic and juicy 2023 Viognier Les Lézardes. Neatly balanced by sucient freshness, the 2023 is an uplifting Viognier from Pierre Rostaing and can be enjoyed upon release." Drink 2025 - 2027

16.5/20 JancisRobinson.com, Alistair Cooper MW (2022 vintage)

"Expressive nose, round and waxy, note of honeysuckle. A rich, dense palate with some banana notes and honey as well as honeycomb and spice. There is a broad mouthfeel and richness on the palate. Rich and hedonistic. (AC)."

Variety Viognier
Region Rhone
Closure Cork
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2025 - 2029

This Wine Goes Well With

with GAME
with LAMB
with PORK

Taste

4

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