Rhone (South) - 2001

Powerful, juicy wines with concentrated, ripe fruit and silky tannins.

The year is marked by its September, when the north wind and quite fine weather caused the crop to concentrate. Acidity levels are good, and tannins are evident. The summer was dry, and the main challenge was to cut back the excess crop. Sugar ripening preceded tannin ripening in the south, and it was essential to wait for a complete maturity. All the best wines profited from very correct tannic structures.

Excellent year for Châteauneuf, Gigondas and Vacqueyras – all achieved good ripeness, with plenty of tannic support. May be more complete than the 1998s, making it the best vintage here for a dozen years. Rhône Villages like Seguret, Rasteau, Cairanne, Sablet and Beaumes-de-Venise all did well. 8-10 year wines.