New Release: André Perret’s “incredibly pure” Condrieu 2022s

Blessed with propitious parcels in some of the appellation’s finest terroirs, Perret is a reference point for clear-cut, graceful Condrieus that, though typically silky and expressive, are pepped by haunting citrus freshness, mineral-laden fine spice, and a sense of elemental salinity. The 2022s come from a warmer, suppler-styled vintage; one that is very well-regarded in the Northern Rhône. André explained that 2022’s peaks slowed the sugar development in July and August and the even and relatively fulsome crop, aided by a splash of rain in mid-August, produced whites of measured finesse. Rhône specialist Jeb Dunnuck describes Perret’s Chery 2022 as being “clearly a step up [on 2021] with Chateau Grillet-like aromas and flavors of white peach, honeyed flowers, incredible minerality, and a kiss of rose petals.” He goes on to say that this “incredibly pure Condrieu is absolutely magical today yet will easily evolve for a decade”, awarding it 97 points.

At just £270 per case for both Perret’s single vineyards: Chery and Clos Chanson (stylistically the more luxurious, open-hearted embrace next the more linear Chery), they are offered at an exceedingly fair price for wines that rightly sit in the top handful in this storied appellation.

Whilst we wanted to draw attention to these two glorious whites, the rest of the Perret range, including the delicious classic Condrieu and various stimulating St Josephs, are of course all available to order.

"Unquestionably, some of my favorite Condrieu, as well as Saint-Joseph, emerges from this tiny estate located off route N7, just south of Condrieu. Releasing three Condrieu, you can’t go wrong with any of them, and the base cuvée is well worth a case purchase each year. The two single vineyards always bring more richness and complexity, but they both have their own style depending on the vintage. And while their Condrieu get all the attention, Perret’s Saint Joseph Blanc is always outstanding as well. As to the reds, the classic Saint-Joseph comes from sites all in the northern part of the appellation and is destemmed and aged in roughly 20% new 400-liter barrels. They’ll also do an old vine Saint-Joseph Les Grisières in top vintages, a vineyard selection that’s all destemmed and sees a slightly longer élevage in 30% new oak. They age beautifully, hitting prime time 4-6 years after the vintage, and evolve for 10-15 years thereafter. They’re easily mistaken for a Côte Rotie in blind tastings. Lastly, while Andre is still fully involved, he has been joined in the cellar by his daughter, Marie, who previously made wine in both California and Chile. As I’ve written many times, Rhône lovers need to have these wines in their cellars." – Jeb Dunnuck, March 2024.

To view all tasting notes and technical information on the Perret 2022s please visit the individual product pages.

The wines are offered En Primeur and pricing is listed in bond. Whites are expected to ship in Summer 2024 and the reds will follow in the autumn.