Rhône 2023 En Primeur
A vintage full of charm, opulence and elegance.
The Big Picture
Let’s face it, good to great vintages in the Rhône Valley are now the norm. 2019, 2020 and 22 all top the charts, even the cooler, leaner vintage of 2021 produced some standout wines that are great for drinking now. So where does that leave 2023? Well, we’re happy to report 2023 is another great year, with the occasional grower suggesting it is on par with the exceptional 2010. But the results are more heterogenous than recent years and the weather certainly presented vignerons with a few challenges, especially in the North.
The Wines
After the coolness of 2021 and the power of 2022, the 2023 vintage is one full of elegance and freshness, sitting somewhere between the two extremes. But it was not an easy vintage for the winegrowers. Vignerons could not sit back and relax. The Northern Rhône Valley, in particular, saw, as one grower put it, ‘chaotic’ weather conditions, requiring constant work to ensure a healthy crop. However, those that put the effort in have certainly reaped the rewards. In the South, the weather was more settled with good diurnal temperature range. Tasting notes talk of wines that are finely structured and sapid, with a purity of fruit and floral complexity.
The Weather
After an historically dry winter, spring rains were welcomed in April and May at the start of the growing season. Although, for some in the north, this did bring localised storms and hail. These small, regular rain episodes meant hard graft in the vineyards for vignerons to keep mildew at bay. By mid-July, thanks to the rising temperatures and, in the south, the drying Mistral, the threat of mildew had receded. Temperatures continued to rise into August with several days of the mercury hitting over 40 degrees. This heatwave brought the harvest window forward, with many starting on the whites in the last week of August. The heat then subsided, especially of a nighttime, for several weeks giving the reds a longer hang time and enabling them to develop full phenolic ripeness.
Brunier Family
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Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
Pure blackberry liqueur and damson notes on the nose. The palate is silky smooth with hints of chocolate, more blackberry, black cherry and a savoury mineral edge. The tannins, although clearly present, are nicely integrated and finely structured. The Terrasse du Diable sits at 250-400 meters and is surrounded by woodland, which helps to protect from the heat and brings a tantalising freshness to the wine. 3-10+years.
Case of 6
£114.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
Inviting fruit driven aromas lure you in to a palate full of pepper and spice. Damsons and blackberry mingle with the savoury, mineral backbone and yet more spice. Supple and round this has immediate appeal. It is made from younger vines from across the estate and older vines not located within Piedlong or La Crau. 5-10+ years.
Case of 6
£144.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
Bright cherry and damson fruit with underlying notes of blueberry and plenty of aromatic spice. There is wonderful depth and savouriness with Szechuan pepper, spice, orange peel, a touch of garrigue and all finishing with silky tannins and mouthwatering salinity. Very precise, balanced and complex with great structure – this really is in a class of its own. 5-15+ years.
Case of 6
£300.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
The pale colour belies the intensity of flavour here. Open and expressive with juicy, ripe, cranberry and red currant notes, with a velvety mouthfeel and mineral undertone. Whilst it is a more refined, delicate style it still has plenty of concentration and complexity. The 70-year-old Grenache vines, which make up 90% of the blend, come from the stony Piedlong plateau in the heart of the appellation. 3-10+ years.
Case of 6
£204.00 /
Domaine La Soumade - F Romero
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Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
Creamy blue and black fruit aromas with a hint of liquorice. Smooth, elegant and silky on the palate with notes of mocha and chocolate with great balance. A very refined and elegant Rasteau. 0-5 years.
Case of 6
£63.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
A wonderful smoky intensity backed up by blue fruits and floral aromas. There is a delicate structure, with lots more of those violet fruits coming to play along with garigue and savoury/saline notes. Carries the 15% alcohol exceptionally well. Delicious.
Case of 6
£78.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
A bigger, more concentrated style from a small plot on blue clay. This is packed with black fruit and black pepper, but already has great integration and balance. This has plenty of elegance too and is one for the longer term. 5-15 years.
Case of 6
£96.00 /
Domaine Richaud
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Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
A lovely aromatic style from the very first plot that Marcel vinified, 45 years ago. Full of lightly spiced black fruits with a elegant structure and fine tannins. 0-5 years.
Case of 6
£51.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
Concentrated aromas of orange peel, violets and black cherry. More enticing violets and spice on the palate with cinnamon, dried oregano and ripe wild blackberries. Fresh and juicy with great depth and structure. Excellent. 3-9 years.
Case of 6
£105.00 / -
Still Red | Case of 6
Still Red
A fresh, herby almost menthol nose with notes of blackberry liqueur. Very appealing. Black and strawberry fruit character on the palate with plenty of charm and elegance. There is a lovely saline, mouth-watering note to finish, leaving you wanting more! 3
Case of 6
£72.00 /
