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Southern Rhône

The Southern Rhône Valley wine region extends from Orange in the north through the communes Lirac and Tavel in the southwest. The French call the region Côtes du Rhône Méridionales and it includes some of the best known appellations in France, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. The climate and landscape of the Southern Rhone differ significantly from the Northern Rhone. There are hot, often windy Mediterranean appellations near Nimes and the south, and higher altitude, relatively cool appellations such as Côtes du Ventoux to the east. Understanding the region can be confusing given that there are thirteen appellations and sixteen red and white grapes allowed for wines with appellation status. Syrah is grown here, but it is much less important than in the north. Grenache is the prominent red grape, though most red wines are blends of at least four varietals. Other commonly used red grapes are Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Muscardin. Counoise, Terret Noir, Vaccarèse and Syrah are also permitted. The primary white grapes are Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, though Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are permitted, as are Picpoul and Picardin. Of note is the Côtes du Rhone Villages AOC, which is only in the Southern Rhone. Though Côtes du Rhône AOC wine is made in both the north and south, the Villages appellation has stricter requirements for winemaking and is generally considered higher quality than simple Côtes du Rhône. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “There is a vast amount of enjoyment to be discovered in the southern Rhône…for these are some of the most sumptuous and pleasure-giving wines produced in the world.”

1995 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernardine

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

RP  91   
4 available
Bid *

1995 Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

RP  99   
WS  91   

1996 Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

ST  90+    

1996 Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

ST  90+    

1996 Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

3.5 cm ullage; light label condition issue

ST  90+    

1992 Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; 3 cm ullage; light label condition issue

ST  92   

1998 Domaine Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

RP  99   
ST  94   

1998 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Generations Gaston Philippe

RP  94   
WS  94   

1998 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Generations Gaston Philippe

Light label condition issue

RP  94   
WS  94   

1990 Domaine de la Cote de l'Ange Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Light label condition issue

1995 Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Ventoux Quintessence

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

4 available
Bid *

1995 Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Ventoux Quintessence

2 available
Bid *

1995 Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Ventoux Quintessence

Light label condition issue

1998 Domaine Saint Benoit Chateauneuf du Pape La Truffiere

Light label condition issue

ST  90