Domaine Francois Villard Viognier 'Contours de Deponcins'

Francois Villard was not born into wine; he started out his career as a chef. He grew up between Vienne and Grenoble, in the French countryside. He made his first Condrieu in 1991, a whopping 400 bottles. Today, makes wine from 64 hectares, of which he owns 40 hectares, purchasing fruit from the balance. He makes wine from Côte-Rôtie down to Saint Peray, and a little of everything between: four Condrieu, five Saint-Joseph (red and white), three Crozes-Hermitage, a Cornas, and four Vin de France (Marsanne-Roussanne, Viognier, and two Syrah).

Francois' "Baby Condrieu" is made with younger vine fruit that is fermented and aged in older barrels for 11 months. While it might lack some of the rich texture of Condrieu, it is far from lacking in mesmerizing aromas and flavors. Soaring notes of orchard and pit fruits meld seamlessly with gorgeous aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, and citrus zest. Ample yet lively, it's truly a joy to drink. - Josh