2016 Condrieu

Founded in 1996, this joint venture of renowned producers Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and François Villard (Pierre-Jean Villa was an original partner as well) has long flown under the radar of most American Rhône aficionados. I suspect that’s because of the fame of its owners, which is a shame because the quality of red and white wines here has been on a steady upswing over the last five vintages. Winemaking duties are in the hands of Pascal Lombard, who has been with the venture since 2001 and consistently demonstrates a steady hand with white wines, especially Condrieu and, increasingly, Saint-Péray. Almost 100 hectares are now under the watch of Les Vins de Vienne, and their newish facility near the railroad tracks close by the river in Chavanay is big enough to handle their large production and then some.