DOMAINE GEORGES VERNAY Cote Rotie 'Blonde du Seigneur' Red 2019 - Magnum

Grape

Syrah (95%), Viognier (5%)

Tasting notes

This Côte Blonde-style Côte-Rôtie — blended with 5% Viognier — strikes a perfect harmony between intensity and finesse. Deep in colour, it opens with a smoky, mineral nose layered with dark fruits, black olive, and cracked pepper, uplifted by floral nuances imparted by the Viognier. On the palate, it is highly aromatic and elegant, with well-integrated, silky tannins and a rounded, seamless structure. The long, refined finish leaves a lasting impression of sensuality and poise. A wine of immediate charm and remarkable depth.

Expert Ratings

93 / 100 Parker

A blend of grapes from Bassenon, Maison Rouge and Lancement, the 2019 Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur contains about 5% Viognier. Notes of violets and purple raspberries appear on the nose, joined by peppery spice and hints of licorice, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, silky and deep, with a long, mouthwatering finish that echoes of cherries and raspberries. Joe Czerwinski

More About The Winery

Perched on the steep granite terraces of Condrieu, Domaine Georges Vernay is the undisputed reference for Viognier and one of the greatest domaines in all of France. Founded in 1937 and now led by Christine Vernay, the estate has transformed from saving Viognier from extinction to producing some of the most sought-after white wines in the world.

The domaine’s three Condrieu cuvées — Les Terrasses de l’Empire, Les Chaillées de l’Enfer, and Côteau de Vernon — are benchmark expressions of Viognier: precise, complex, and age-worthy, far removed from the plump examples found elsewhere. Tiny yields, old vines, and minimal intervention define the style, producing wines of extraordinary finesse, depth, and minerality.

Beyond Condrieu, Domaine Vernay also crafts outstanding Côte-Rôtie reds — Blonde du Seigneur and Maison Rouge — regarded among the finest of the appellation. More accessible bottlings, such as the Viognier Le Pied de Samson and Syrah Georges Vernay, showcase the domaine’s craftsmanship at superb value.

Internationally acclaimed, Christine Vernay was named “Wine Person of the Year 2012” by Bettane & Desseauve, elevating the domaine to the prestigious 5-star rating alongside legends like DRC, Château Latour, and Château d’Yquem. Remarkably, Vernay remains one of the few family-owned domaines in this elite circle.