Rhône’s Hat Trick — 2015, 2016 & 2017: Three Magnificent Vintages

Featuring Marcoux, Delas Freres, Janasse, Guy Farge, and many more…... Monday Mar 18th, 2019 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( Rhône Valley has been on a winning streak. The trio of vintages spanning from 2015 to 2017 delivered excellent growing conditions, which, in turn, translated into wines of the highest caliber. While each vintage carries its own unique characteristics, common among the three are exceptional purity, focus, and concentration. These are benchmark vintages that will be heralded by critics and collectors for many decades to come. In [this month’s newsletter]( our Rhône buyers, Keith Mabry and Alex Pross, closely examine each of these vintages, highlighting their top picks across multiple categories. In reading their summaries, it quickly comes into focus that every appellation from the north to the south flourished. So, whether you are drawn to the collectible, Syrah-driven reds of Côte Rôtie or a modest Côtes du Rhône Villages, there will be a wine here to suit both your palate and pocketbook. The bounty these vintages offer is nothing short of breathtaking, making this a truly exciting time. Or, as Jeb Dunnuck succinctly puts it, “It’s a great time to be a Rhône lover!” --------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 After a quiet period, the Rhône came roaring back in 2015. Jeb Dunnuck summarized this memorable Northern Rhône vintage thusly, “2015 is a truly sensational vintage that should not be missed by any Rhône lover out there. This vintage certainly rivals what was achieved in 2009 and 2010, yet with slightly more consistency, as well as a style all its own.” As those who have enjoyed the 2015s will already know, these wines are plump, rich, unctuous, and above all, irresistible. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2015 Domaine de Verquière Côtes du Rhône-Villages Sablet $14.99 [View]( 2015 St. Jean du Barroux "La Source" Ventoux 93 $16.99 [View]( 2015 Domaine Santa Duc "Prestige des Hautes Garrigues" Gigondas 97 $49.99 [View]( 2015 Famille Perrin "Domaine du Clos des Tourelles" Gigondas 97 $59.99 [View]( 2015 Domaine Santa Duc "Le Crau Ouest" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 96 $69.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 In assessing the 2016 Northern Rhône vintage, Jeb Dunnuck writes “The wines shine for their purity, elegance, and balance, while still possessing good concentration and depth of fruit.” And in regards to the Southern Rhône, he adds “The 2016 vintage was truly extraordinary for the Southern Rhône and is a vintage that readers should buy with abandon.” Simply put, these are wines every collector should own. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2016 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 94 $24.99 [View]( 2016 Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 $34.99 [View]( 2016 Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné "Domaine de Thalabert" Crozes-Hermitage 94 $39.99 [View]( 2016 Guy Farge "Harmonie" Cornas 97 $39.99 [View]( 2016 Delas Freres "La Landonne" Côte-Rôtie 96 $189.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Given the rousing success of the two previous vintages, it seemed unlikely the Rhône could produce another blockbuster, but that’s precisely what happened. Of the Northern Rhône 2017s, Dunnuck had this to say, “Qualitatively, the wines are on a similar level to the 2016s, if not superior, and which you prefer will be mostly driven by personal preferences.” Production was down in 2017, so securing these gems on pre-arrival is always the best bet. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2017 Cicada by Chante Cigale Vin de France $10.99 [View]( 2017 Cave de Tavel "Lauzeraies" Tavel Rose $13.99 [View]( 2017 Chateau de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 92 $49.99 [View]( 2017 Rene Rostaing "La Bonnette" Condrieu (Pre-Arrival) 93 $69.99 [View]( 2017 M. Chapoutier "Barbe Rac" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival) 98 $79.99 [View]( Pre-arrivals are expected to arrive for shipment or pickup by May 2020. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA Click [here]( to manage your e-mail settings with K&L Wine Merchants or alternatively, [click here to unsubscribe from all mailings]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [K&L](