Rhone 2017 wines are beginning to be offered en primeur by the international trade.
Beaucastel 2017 was released at £480 per 12×75 last month, which is the same as the current market price of the 2016 vintage.
The Wine Advocate’s Joe Czerwinski scored this year’s release a range of 95-97 points, and suggested it might even outshine its predecessor. Similarly, Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 96 points, compared to 96+ for the 2016, and commented that both wines are “in the same league”. He also noted that production is down 40% on last year, due to coulure (difficulties at flowering).
Dunnuck had previously published a report on “the extraordinary 2016” from the Southern Rhone, which appeared to stir up demand for these wines. As we noted in this month’s market report, prices for wines from the Southern Rhone have been on the rise. These wines have consistently offered relatively good value for money on a price over point basis, allowing them to make steady gains of late.
Strong recent vintages have moved the market, helping the Rhone gain momentum. Will the 2017 releases manage to maintain this rhythm? Only time will tell.
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