“The growers in the northern Rhone have never had so much confidence in their very particular terroirs and their ability to express them.”
– Jancis Robinson.

“2009 in the North is easily the best since 1999, and probably since 1990.”
– Robert Parker.

“Exuberant and sexy – a bit like a big 2001.”
– Pierre Clape.

"At the minimum, 2009 is an excellent vintage in the south… but where 2009 is great (and it truly is) is in the northern Rhône. I can say that without a doubt it is the finest overall vintage in the north since 1999, and probably since 1990."
– Robert Parker.

Admittedly, the beginning of the year did not seem to hold much promise, with uneven flowering following on from a wet winter. Fortunately, the latter topped up the water table so that the vines could endure the sweltering summer heat. The patchy flowering also served a purpose: Yields were kept small and the berries were of great quality for it. The summer heat gave way to light showers in the autumn months, which preserved acidity levels and reinvigorated the beleaguered vines.

The resulting wines are splendid. Reds boast impeccable structure and a distinctive fruitiness; whites are bold, rich and textured. The vintage has greater concentration than 1999 whilst at the same time is in possession of more sophistication than the 1990 batch.

Cotie Rotie in particular enjoyed great success, and the Syrah vines planted on the steep slopes of this appellation produced some extraordinary results. Spellbinding wines can also be sourced from almost any producer who devoted effort into vineyard management and skilful winemaking. Wines are dense, balanced and have elegant precision. They are ripe and have a keen minerality to them. Delicious in youth, their potential to mature should not be underestimated – these wines will age very, very well indeed.

For more information, see the following: Bordeaux En Primeur 2010 Report | 2010 Bordeaux En Primeur Review | Quotes on En Primeur Bordeaux 2010 Vintage | 2010 Bordeaux En Primeur Quick Overview | Bordeaux 2010 En Primeur: Market Trends and Pricing | En Primeur Ltd Client Services & Benefits | North Rhone 2009 En Primeur Report | Rhone - Wine Region of the Year 2010 | Southern Rhone 2009 En Primeur Report | Wine Investment (Asian Market) | Fine Wine Investment

Click here to see our 2010 Bordeaux En Primeur wine list and pricing.