Rhône Valley Wines
Much larger in scale than Burgundy is the Rhône Valley wine region. From the alcoholic and powerful highs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, through the dense elegance of the Syrah wines of appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, this is predominantly red wine country. Rich and generous, these wines appeal to wine drinkers used to California reds. And, just like Bordeaux, there is also great value to be found in this region: wines labelled Côtes du Rhône. If they have a village name attached (Rasteau and Seguret are among the best), they will be that much better even if more expensive. Search our Rhône Valley wine guide’s hundreds of Rhône Valley wine reviews for more details on individual wines and for our comprehensive database of Rhône Valley wine ratings.
Perrin & Fils 2008 Reserve White (Côtes du Rhône)
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- $13
Hints at underripe peach on the nose, then follows up with flavors of peach, pineapple and a hint of white chocolate. It's medium in body, with a relatively compact but clean finish.
— J.C.
(4/1/2010)
La Châsse du Pape 2008 Prestige White (Côtes du Rhône)
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- $11
Starts off with melon and a touch of almond character, then adds brighter pineapple notes that turn tart and metallic on the finish, a poignant counter to the wine's breadth on the palate.
— J.C.
(4/1/2010)
Ogier 2007 Heritages White (Côtes du Rhône)
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- $12
This blend of five different grape varieties yields by its very nature nonspecific fruit character, but it is ripe and round, honeyed and spicy on the finish. Drink now.
— J.C.
(4/1/2010)
Bourgeois Family 2009 In Fine White (Ventoux)
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- $12
This blend of 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc seems to be fading a little, losing its freshness in favor of greater palate breadth. The flavors are largely neutral, but hint at oranges. Drink up.
— J.C.
(12/15/2011)
Alain Jaume et Fils 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur La Fontaine White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
- $70
A rare slip up from the talented Jaume family, this 100% Roussanne is swimming in smoky, toasty oak, with the fruit currently hidden. You could gamble on it bouncing back in 5–6 years, or just wait for the better-balanced 2010.
— J.C.
(10/1/2012)
M. Chapoutier 2010 La Ciboise White (Luberon)
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- $17
Chapoutier’s white Luberon is a lightweight, crisp offering, featuring polite apple and citrus flavors. Lacks much distinction, but clean and fresh.
— J.C.
(12/15/2011)
Dauvergne & Ranvier 2009 Vin Gourmand White (Côtes du Rhône)
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- $18
This blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Viognier and 20% Roussanne seems a bit lean and tightly structured for a white from the generally warm communes of Laudun and Saint-Gervais. Aromas and flavors are clipped, with hints of wet stones and underripe pineapple.
— J.C.
(10/1/2011)
Domaine des Anges 2010 Archange White (Côtes-du-Ventoux)
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This 100% Roussanne, barrel-fermented cuvée is rather subdued right now, with modest melon and peach notes, medium body and a touch of anise on the finish. Give it a few months to blossom in the bottle, then drink up by the end of 2012.
— J.C.
(12/15/2011)
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