Known as a Condrieu “Master,” Francois has grown his tiny domaine from four to seven hectares and still produces a miniscule amount of highly allocated bottlings. One of the stars of the Northern Rhone, Francois has recently acquired a small parcel in Cote-Rotie and a few hectares in St. Joseph. Formerly a chef, Francois brings his complex palette to the winery to produce wines of power and grace that age for years. This wine is made from the younger vines in his Condrieu vineyards, but it drinks as well or better than many other producers' top wines. This shows an expressive nose of jasmine tea, crisp pear and a touch of passion fruit that make for an exotic nose but the palate is pure elegance. An absolute delightful Viognier poised for daily drinking.