It’s been an action-packed first 3 months for us, here at Weygandt Wines. We’ve poured beautiful Burgundies, astonishing Austrians, sensational Sancerres, and breathtaking Barolos to name a few. Alliteration aside, on Saturday, January 30, from 12 to 4 pm, we’ll pour some of the most misunderstood wines of the old world: Northern Rhones. The spotlight is on Georges Vernay, more specifically, his daughter Christine who, “has been running this estate for a number of years, and has not only built on the highly successful white wines of her father, but has also dramatically increased the quality of the reds.” – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Northern Rhone Viognier pairs very well with rich cheeses, fish with sauces such as a beurre blanc, guinea fowl and other lighter poultry. The Syrahs are a natural match with duck, game birds, venison and richer meats.

All of the wines from Georges Vernay will be on sale for 25-50% off the regular retail price. For those of you who haven’t tasted Viognier and/or Syrah from the steep-sloped, shale and granite soils of this region, this is an excellent opportunity to try these elegant and complex wines. The Lineup:

Georges Vernay Viognier Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes Le Pied de Samson 2007, Sale $19.99/btl, Regularly $32.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Viognier – 12.8% abv – Fresh, tangy mix of peach, anise and mineral notes, that all stay bright and pure on the finish. Drink now. 1,080 cases made. – WS 88 points

Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Terrasses de L’Empire 2007, Sale $34.99/btl, Regularly $52.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Viognier – 14% abv – Really bright and superracy, with a tightly coiled core of orange blossom, honeysuckle, green fig, yellow apple and chamomile notes waiting to gush forth. Taut acidity holds this back for now, so cellar to let it round into form. Best from 2009 through 2012. 1,665 cases made. – WS 92 points

Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur 2005, Sale $49.99/btl, Regularly $74.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Bright and pure, with racy acidity carrying a strong floral note, along with hints of licorice, iron and cassis. Graphite edge really stretches out the finish. Best from 2009 through 2016. 415 cases made. – WS 92 points

The outstanding 2005 Cote Rotie Blonde de Seigneur exhibits the beautifully sexy, seductive notes from the Cote Blonde, with raspberry, kirsch, smoke, and flowers, followed by an elegantly wrought wine with supple tannins, beautiful black and red fruits, and a savory mouthfeel. It is rich, but not over the top. – WA 92 points

Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur 2006, Sale $39.99/btl, Regularly $62.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – A juicy, ripe style, with lots of briar, red and black currant, sweet tapenade and aged tobacco notes, backed by a vibrant minerality. Long, alluring finish. Drink now through 2018. 665 cases made. – WS 91 points

Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Maison Rouge 2004, Sale $69.99/btl, Regularly $109.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Shows a mix of sweet tea, black olive, currant, sanguine and mineral notes, with a long, supple finish. The fresh acidity lets the herb and mineral notes linger nicely. Drink now through 2015. 415 cases made. – WS 91 points

Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Maison Rouge 2005, Sale $79.99/btl, Regularly $119.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Gorgeous aromas of Turkish coffee, warm fig bread and dark cocoa lead the way for a lushly layered palate of fig, boysenberry and black currant paste notes. Very alluring, with ample structure buried on the finish. Don’t overlook the reds at this Condrieu-based domaine; they’ve really improved in the last few vintages. Best from 2010 through 2025. 415 cases made. – WS 94 points

The 2005 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge is dark ruby in color but totally dominated by new oak. The wine has some serious weight to it and excellent freshness, but the wood is overwhelming at present, which surprised me. Judgment reserved. – WA 88 points