A family story… Christophe Pichon took over the estate from his father and acquired his first vines in 1991. Two years later, he invested in a wasteland to plant vines in Saint-Joseph AOC. Today he vinifies 18 hectares spread over Condrieu, Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph and Cornas . A production of white and red Vins de Pays completes the range. The entire Pichon family has been striving for finesse and elegance in their wines for more than 25 years.

Area: 5 ha

Soil: Granite. S-Se facing terraced vineyards

Grape Variety : Viognier 100%

Vines age : 5 to 60 years

Ageing : 30% new oak and 50% 1-year old

At this echelon, Condrieu demonstrates its reputation as one of the world’s great white wines. As powerful and intense as a fine Burgundy, it is made like one, too, being mostly vinified in barrique (30% new), with complete m.l.. Just 20% is done in cuve to retain freshness. The resulting wine is voluptuous but contained, vibrant and complete with impressive length on the palate.

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points (2017)

Exuberant aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and vanilla introduce this big, rich Viognier. It’s opulent and creamy, filling the palate with waves of orange cream, rose petal and marmalade, but keenly balanced by a rim of tea tannins on the finish. Decadent and irresistible young it’s structured enough to improve through 2030.

Wine Advocate – 92 points

Slightly peppery and gingery on the nose, Pichon’s 2019 Condrieu also delivers charming notes of ripe apricots and white peaches. An assemblage of lots (some were made and matured in barrels, while others spent time in stainless steel), it’s full-bodied but graceful, with a plump, fleshy feel on the palate and a long, elegant finish.

James Suckling – 90 points

Plenty of peach and ripe pineapple here! Very ripe and creamy, but it has enough freshness to carry this, staying cool and bright right through the palate. Slightly pithy finish, but this impression helps it to remain clean, in spite of 14.5% alcohol. Drink now.