Another strong effort from Ferraton is the 2009 Condrieu Les Mandouls. This 100% Viognier reveals exotic notes of lychee nuts, honeysuckle, peach and mango, good acidity, a touch of minerality and a long finish. This cuvee is aged completely in stainless steel prior to bottling. Ferraton’s parent company, Chapoutier, has done an excellent job in St.-Peray working with Marsanne and Roussanne. This long-forgotten appellation may turn out to be the Northern Rhone’s white wine answer to Burgundy’s Chablis. As for the 2009 red wines, this is the best portfolio of dry red wines Ferraton has yet produced. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994