Last year, Jancis Robinson described the 2008s from the Rhone Valley as “decidedly muted” – a reminder of just how exceptional the 2007 vintage was. This year, however, the region’s offerings failed to disappoint, with Jancis describing the quality of the 2009s from the north as “very exciting”. The critic puts the overwhelming success of 09 down, in part, to high standards of winemaking and growers’ “confidence in their very particular terroirs”. In all, the vast majority of red wines tasted were awarded 16 points and above, whilst 11 were accorded 18 points or more. Top scorers include Jaboulet, Chapelle Hermitage and Guigal E, Cote Rotie Turque, both at 18.5+ points.
Scores from Jancisrobinson.com
