Rhone 2009 Is Now Selling En Primeur

To be called the vintage of the decade, a wine has to be absolutely superb. So when the term was given to the 2009 Rhone, the wine community certainly sat up and took notice. Tasting notes have determined that the vintage offers superiority over the decidedly lackluster 2008 vintage and that it certainly merits the great deal of attention that it has been receiving. There have even been comparisons between the 2009 and the 1978 vintage as well as the remarkable 1929 vintage. For a winemaker, these comparisons can mean major sales.

The Rhone valley regions that produce wine were as lucky as those in Bordeaux in 2009 and experienced the perfect ripening conditions as well as sustained sunshine at harvest. Because the seasons before growing had been both cold and wet, the water reserves in the ground also helped create the ideal growing conditions, and the result was a wine that offered great acidity and color as well as high tannin levels. This has been excellent news for winemakers and promises to boost sales of the vintage considerably. This is certainly exciting since the wine is now selling En Primeur.

There are a number of Rhone 2009 vintages being sold En Primeur already, and for many shops the vintages have already started to sell out. The price is certainly better for winemakers than more recent vintage years, especially for the reds from the northern part of the Rhone valley. Many of the southern Rhone vintages lack the same polish as their northern counterparts, but the wines are still quite high in quality. High alcohol levels are prevalent in the 2009 vintages as well, but there are enough tannins and fruit in the wines to help them retain their balance.

There are a number of wines that stand out in the 2009 Rhone vintage, including the Clos du Mont Olivet Cuvee Papet and the Domaine Boissone Cairanne Exigence. A real standout in the crowd, however, was the Robert & Remi Niero Condrieu Les Ravines. This vintage offers high acidity and a rich fruity flavor and is an incredibly complex wine.

As to which wines will be the ultimate standouts from the 2009 Rhone, it remains to be seen. The wines have just started selling En Primeur, and there is still a significant period of time until release. One thing is for certain, however. 2009 was an excellent year for Rhone winemakers.

By: James N. Nicholson

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James Nicholson Wines prides themselves on finding the best wines from around the world, allowing you to buy fine wine online. James Nicholson Wines is an independent wine merchant in the UK.