Rhone Valley
France’s Rhone Valley has two climates. The Northern Rhone’s steeper river-side slopes are up near chilly Burgundy. Here Syrah is the lone red grape and ripens slowly into its supreme expression in classics like Hermitage: intense but lighter-bodied, spicy and ethereal. Flowing south the landscape flattens out, opening to the baking Mediterranean. Down here Syrah revealed fuller, meatier aspects but ended up playing second fiddle (with Mourvèdre et al) to the even more sun-loving grape, Grenache. The softness and body of Grenache fills and sweetens most Southern Rhone blends, from basic Cotes du Rhone (mostly Southern) to village classics like Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rosés like Tavel. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne remain at home in the North but can mix with grapes like Grenache Blanc and Clairette in the Southern Rhone's blanc wines.
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2021 Soumade Cotes du RhoneJohn CaroAmazing Cotes du Rhone that puts many expensive village wines to shame. Brimming with vibrant dark and red fruits, it's tempting to mis-use the term 'fruit-driven' if it wasn't equally floral, ... read more$27.99 in mixed 6+ or $31.99 per bottle
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2022 Clos St Antonin Cotes du RhoneJohn CaroA lush and smooth Cotes du Rhone from the famous Sabon family. A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah from 30-50 years old vineyards. This richly fruited red is dominated by the gently dark ... read more$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle
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2022 Domaine Janasse Cotes du RhoneJohn CaroA silky and superb Rhone Red made by the famous Sabon family. This classic Grenache-led offering has a perfect balance of vibrant fruit and satisfying full-body. The Janasse label has an ... read more$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle
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2022 Stephane Ogier Cotes du Rhone Le Temps Est VenuJames SucklingA superb new Cotes du Rhone from this superstar of the Rhone. Stephane Ogier is most well known in the Northern Rhone, but this deliciously rich and complete Grenache blend is a more classic ... read more$31.99 in mixed 6+ or $35.99 per bottle
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2022 Usseglio Les Claux Cotes du RhoneJohn CaroThis classy new Cote du Rhone is "like a baby Chateauneuf du Pape" according to expert John Gilman. From one of the finest biodynamic estates in the Southern Rhone Valley, the Cotes du Rhone is ... read more$33.99 in mixed 6+ or $37.99 per bottle
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2020 Soumade RasteauJohn CaroFrom another great vintage, this is bursting with rich dark fruit, spice and florals. Soumade are experts in their hometown of Rasteau, where the fruit ripens into expressive wines that ... read more$33.99 in mixed 6+ or $37.99 per bottle
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2022 Charvin Cotes du RhoneJames SucklingThis Cotes du Rhone is one of the best, in a restrained and complex style. Charvin has closely managed vineyards with winemaking that's strictly old school, whole-bunch fermented in concrete ... read more$38.99 in mixed 6+ or $43.99 per bottle
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2020 Usseglio Charles 1st LiracJames SucklingA luscious red from a Cru-rated zone in the hot Southern Rhone Valley. Raymond Usseglio is known for the extraordinary wines from the region's leading village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This label ... read more$39.99 in mixed 6+ or $44.99 per bottle
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2020 Soumade Rasteau PrestigeDecanterA powerful and refined Rasteau red from the hometown experts, Soumade. The Prestige is grown on the fringes of the Ventabren alpine terrace, which adds limestone content to the famous yellow and ... read more$41.99 in mixed 6+ or $46.99 per bottle
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2020 Soumade Rasteau Cuvee ConfianceJohn CaroFrom vines up to 100 years old, this is a very special cuvee by a Rasteau-based specialists. From the village Soumade know so well, the Cuvee Confiance is another step up in concentration and ... read more$49.99 in mixed 6+ or $55.99 per bottle