2002 E. Guigal Condrieu ‘La Doriane’

The 2002 Condrieu from Guigal’s steeply terraced plot “La Doriane” is one fabulous Viognier. Guigal is Marcel Guigal, the northern Rhone producer known best for his superb and highly sought-after Cote-Roties -- La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque. Though La Doriane is a white, this gorgeous Condrieu could hold its own in that company. Lush and full-bodied, with a scent of violets and flowers, it tastes of white peaches and honey. A finespun minerality runs through it, and the finish is long memorable. Its elegance and finesse play well with food, especially grilled lobster, prawns and shrimp. Pair it with chilled Dungeness crab, too, or seared scallops.

-- S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Northern Rhone

Price: About $60

Style: Lush and flowery

Food it goes with: Smoked salmon, grilled lobster and shrimp, chilled Dungeness crab, seared scallops, etc.

Where you find it: Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; (800) 76WINEX; the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.