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Rhône Valley

The Rhône Valley in southeast France follows the Rhône River for 125 miles and is home to some 170,000 vineyard acres. It is beloved by admirers of robust, fruit-filled, tannic red wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsualt. Though red wines predominate, the Rhône Valley also makes excellent fruity, full-bodied but dry white wines from Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Some of the justly famous wines from the Rhône Valley include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Condrieu, Gigondas and Cornas. Rosé wines are also produced. Vineyards have been cultivated in this area since at least 600 B.C., and by the 13th century the wines of the region were being served to the Pope, who during the 13th century resided in nearby Avignon rather than in Rome. The prestige associated with the reds preferred by the Pope led to the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or the “new home of the pope.” The region is generally divided into north and south when discussing wine types, and there are many appellations within the valley. Along with Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, Rhône wines are among France’s best known and most collected wines.

1989 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Light label condition issue

MB  *****   
RP  97   
WS  97   
CT  94.1   
JR  18   

2006 Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc

WS  99   
RP  97   
VN  95+    
JR  18   

2015 Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph

WS  95   
JS  95-96   
VN  94   
JD  94   
WA  93   

2017 Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph Clos Florentin

VN  95   
WA  94+    

2010 Chateau Rayas Château de Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Reserve Syrah

2014 Chateau Rayas Cotes Du Rhone La Pialade

Capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue

1981 Paul Jaboulet Aine Chateauneuf du Pape Les Cedres

Capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

1964 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas

Light capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

1964 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

1980 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

Depressed cork; 3 cm ullage; light label condition issue

1980 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; 3 cm ullage; light label condition issue

2010 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

Light label condition issue

WS  94   
VN  91   

1997 Auguste Clape Cornas

Light label condition issue

WS  92   
CT  90.4   
RP  88-90   

2014 Auguste Clape Cornas

WS  95   
WA  93   
VN  93-95   

2010 Auguste Clape St. Peray

Lightly depressed cork

VN  91   
RP  89-91   

2010 Auguste Clape St. Peray

Lightly elevated cork; light label condition issue

VN  91   
RP  89-91   

2010 Auguste Clape St. Peray

Lightly depressed cork; label condition issue

VN  91   
RP  89-91   

1953 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; 4.5 cm ullage; light label condition issue

1953 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; 3.5 cm ullage; light label condition issue

1953 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Light capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; signs of past seepage; 3.5 cm ullage; label condition issue

2018 Domaine Pierre Gonon De L'Ardeche Les Iles Feray

Light label condition issue

2010 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

RP  96   
WS  96   
ST  93-95   
WS  #16 of 2012   

2010 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Lightly depressed cork

RP  96   
WS  96   
ST  93-95   
WS  #16 of 2012   

2012 Chimere

1-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

WA  99   

2015 Chimere

1-bottle Lot, Wood Case, 1.5ltr

JD  97