Finding older vintages of Rhône wines in the market that have guaranteed provenance and are available at reasonable prices can be challenging. This can be really frustrating for buyers. Thankfully, at The Wine Society, not only have we invested in our keeping stocks over the years, but also longstanding relationships with our growers mean that they are always keen to help us out. So, when I asked them for stocks of older wines for this, our first-ever Rhône Fine Wine Spotlight, they raided their cellars to unearth some real treasures for our members. Tasting through this back catalogue of mature wines has been a real treat and I’m delighted to share the best of the bunch with you.
I have selected some breathtakingly delicious wines from the 2006 and 2016 vintages that with 10 and 20 years of age in the bottle have developed many layers of complexity and are well worth exploring. If you’re already a keen collector of Rhône wines, you’ll have some idea of the delights in store. Those that are new to the game can find out what all the fuss is about, and why so many of your fellow members love to buy from our in-bond Rhône offers to watch the wines develop and evolve with time.
I personally think Rhône wines come into their own with some time in bottle. Some of the tannin grip is tamed and the wines often take on more savoury, almost meaty aromas as they turn away from the primary fruity aromas of youth.
The character of the 2006 and 2016 vintages
2016 is a highly regarded vintage that people often compare to the now almost legendary 1990. Both the northern and southern Rhône seemed to fair equally as well in a late-ripening year where extremes in temperature and disease pressure were not an issue. The wines display plenty of structure and character without the excesses of alcohol or tannin producing well-balanced and, most importantly, pleasurable wines. I tasted the 2016s in barrel when they were first produced and was blown away by their innate quality back then. Now, 10 years on, I get even more joy from the wines, and I wouldn’t hesitate in ageing some of the 2016s for some time to come too.
2006 is another great Rhône vintage and while I hadn’t yet embarked on my wine career at this point to taste the nascent wines in barrel, I have been fortunate enough to drink many 2006s wines subsequently. After 2005, which made rich and tannic wines, 2006 has a lightness of touch about it, with silkier tannins and a joyous energy in the wines which have often been overlooked. Welcome rains in the summer and modest August temperatures along with almost perfect harvest conditions guaranteed a successful outcome. With 20 years of age, the wines are certainly on the more savoury spectrum with dried flowers, smokiness and impressive structure underpinning the fruit.
Whether you prefer wines in their youth or with a bit of age, what is clear to me is that the Rhône, with its myriad grape varieties and styles, has you covered either way. Seize the opportunity to get to taste these wines 10 and 20 years on.
