Knapp vier Hektar Viognier, angelegt in einem nach Süden ausgerichteten Amphitheater in der nördlichen Rhône, bilden die gesamte Appellation Château-Grillet. Der Château-Grillet 2022 ist ein trockener Weißwein aus dieser einzigen Lage, und 2022 war dort eine heiße Vegetationsperiode. Die Lese begann am 27. August. Im benachbarten Côte-Rôtie fiel etwas mehr Regen, was einen Eindruck davon vermittelt, wie trocken es in diesem Teil des Tals war.
Das Weingut gehört François Pinault, Frédéric Engerer fungiert als Verwalter. Es bleibt eine eigenständige Appellation, was in Frankreich selten und für ein so kleines Weingut ungewöhnlich ist.
Der Wein ist bereits jetzt trinkbar, nach einer Stunde im Dekanter. Am besten genießt man ihn bis 2038.
Robert Parker (95)
The 2022 Chateau Grillet comes from one of the estate's earliest harvests, with grapes picked on 27 August. Evoking a complex, elegant bouquet of almond blossoms, exotic notes, violet, white flowers, ripe pear and spices, it's followed by a full-bodied, dense and rich palate with some purity, a racy spine, a fleshy core of fruit and a long, pure finish accented by delicate dry extracts and gastronomic bitterness. Exceptionally saline and ethereal, this vintage captures the satiny elegance of this renowned terroir, offering a notably tense and pure profile typical of early harvests in Condrieu. Whether this signifies a shift toward a more refined style or reflects the characteristics of the vintage will become more evident in the ensuing years. This vintage would benefit from 2 to 3 years in the cellar to fully develop its potential.
Vinous (97)
The 2022 Château-Grillet is a masterpiece of elegance, with crystalline aromas of jasmine, lemon flesh, cedar, verbena tea and white flowers. It dances on the palate with precision and nuanced detail. A phenolic kick adds freshness to the laser-focused, incredibly long finish. Ethereal and light on its feet, the 2022 defies the hot growing season, delivering a one-of-a-kind Viognier experience.
Decanter (95)
At the moment of tasting the nose was surprisingly restrained, but beneath that quiet exterior lies a huge wine. The palate reveals remarkable phenolic grip and a touch of bitterness wrapped around a cool blue mineral core. It’s almost spherical in shape – hard and structured at the centre, fleshy and rounded around the outside. Layered and powerful. Spice lingers on the finish, leaving a cooling sensation. A monumental Viognier from the tiny Château-Grillet monopole.