From Vinous: Elegance Returns to the Northern Rhône in 2016

“Northern Rhône wine lovers with purist leanings will be head over heels with the soon-to-be-released 2016 vintage, which offers an abundance of energetic, well-balanced and generally graceful wines. As impressive as the 2015s are, I’ve encountered a not-insignificant number of collectors who view many of the wines as too much of a good thing: too ripe, too rich, too heavy, too tannic…you get the picture. Most of the producers I visit on my annual trips sympathize with that view to an extent, but are also quick to point out that 2015 is a vintage for the ages and what’s in the glass now will mostly bear little resemblance to how the wines will turn out down the road, maybe even way down the road. There are no such qualms when it comes to the 2016s, though. A number of producers call it a “dream vintage” for the wines’ collective balance, freshness and expression of terroir. Based on the performance of the wines I tasted from barrel in late March and early June, and the handful of finished wines that I was able to try when I returned home (the barrel samples in this article are scored in a range, as usual, while the finished wines in a single numerical score), 2016 is a vintage that’s a must-buy for readers who prize Syrah built along pure, graceful, dare I say feminine, lines. Even so, the wines are in no way lacking depth of flavor or structure, which leads me to think that many of the wines will hit their 20th birthday in fine form.” --Josh Raynolds, Vinous, Elegance Returns to the Northern Rhône in 2016 , June 2018 New York City is having its own celebration of Northern Rhône with Reboule du Rhône on November 15-18, 2018. For more information, click here .

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 2015

Delectable Wine

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9.8

Bright purple. Explosive, smoke- and spice-accented blueberry, cherry cola, incense and smoky mineral aromas show outstanding delineation and pick up a hint of olive with aeration. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors, along with a suggestion of star anise. The remarkably long, penetrating finish features strong minerally cut, an echo of sweet blue fruit and harmonious tannins that come in late and fold effortlessly into the deeply concentrated fruit. At this stage, this is a contender for the wine of the vintage, at least by estimation. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2018) — 5 years ago

Velma, Severn and 5 others liked this

Eric et Joël Durand

Cornas 2001

Conrad Green

9.0

Dark with some of the high tones VA like rang of viognier and deep pure fruit. Rather one note but judiciously made with good balance and not too hot — 5 years ago

LM, Jeroen and 4 others liked this

Cave de Saint-Désirat

Saint-Joseph Syrah 2016

Chris Haywood

9.3

Good stewed prune, tobacco and violets on the nose, soft but present tannin structure, high acid, floral palate with lots of blackberry. Pretty damn good. — 5 years ago

P liked this

E. Guigal

Condrieu Viognier 2015

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.1

This 2015 vintage #condrieu was better than others I’ve tasted from #guigal I’d recommend it highly. It has so much typicity for what I consider the grape #viognier — 6 years ago

Daniel P., Joe and 7 others liked this

Domaine Georges Vernay

Les Terrasses de l'Empire Condrieu Viognier 2016

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9.3

Limpid yellow. Incisive aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, ginger and violet are joined by hints of chalky minerals, fennel and white pepper. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering fresh pear and Meyer lemon flavors that show impressive clarity and minerally drive. The citrus fruit and floral notes come back strong on the vibrant finish, which hangs on with excellent focus and tenacity. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2018) — 5 years ago

Velma, Severn and 3 others liked this

Domaine Jean Michel Stéphan

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2016

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

Just stupid good. What aromas. Violet, super pastille and huge red berries. Lilacs. Granite. So pure. Stunning. Lifting. Insane palate of some of the purest fruit one will ever encounter in Côte Rotie. Stunning depth, sap and purity. Wow. Amazing. So balanced. So pure. So clean. Genius. — 5 years ago

Keith, Amr and 13 others liked this

Ebbe Bonde Soerensen

My favorite from Côte Rôtie and this one is just the beginning, two special cuvée to blow your mind🙌

Lyle Fass

New cuvee in 17 called So Brune. Don’t miss it!!!

Lyle Fass

@Ebbe Bonde Soerensen

Jean-Luc Colombo

La Belle de Mai St. Péray Roussanne Blend 2016

Lyn Farmer

9.2

Beautiful nose of lemon, beeswax, and white flowers. Lovely crisp acidity, minerality and bright citrus on the Palate. Long finish with great balance and hints of lemon and pear. The wine has deceptive power — 6 years ago

Rene Rostaing

La Bonnette Condrieu Viognier 2016

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9.3

(raised in stainless steel tanks and made with no malo) Limpid straw-yellow. Assertive, mineral-accented orchard fruit, melon and fennel aromas are sharpened by hints of ginger and lemon zest. Intense pear skin, Meyer lemon and violet pastille flavors show a suave blend of richness and delicacy thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Closes minerally, taut and impressively long, leaving a powerful floral note behind. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2018) — 5 years ago

Velma, Severn and 2 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc Hermitage Marsanne Roussanne 2004

ADAM STROMFELD

9.3

Soft nose . Carmel color blunted and soft round and rolling on the palate apples and a bit of oxygen offset by a honey aroma. — 5 years ago

with Chris and Frank

Mike, Mark and 8 others liked this

Domaine Habrard (Laurent Habrard)

Crozes-Hermitage White Rhone Blend 2015

Tom Casagrande

8.9

Give this lots of air. First night it was unfriendly. Night 2, however, different story. Perfumed nose of lillies, tropical fruit, funky minerals. Intense and clingy, the fruit is intense in the front half of the palate, but fades quickly leaving a low acid bitter note. It’s got a lot of character, but I’m learning that I’m just not a Marsanne guy. — 5 years ago

with Lyle

Lyle, Severn and 13 others liked this