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Rhône 2009 En Primeur

 

This vintage undoubtedly heralds a return to form for a region that has had an outstanding run of vintages since 1998, with perhaps the only exceptions being 2002 and 2008. Where 2008 was a trying vintage with most growers wrestling with rot and rain, 2009 was a dream.  

Plenty of rain before July ensured that the vineyards retained sufficient water to protect against the approaching summer heat, and thick berry skins provided protection from diseases. Ideal growing conditions of warm days and cool nights led to an easy harvest.

Where the best 2008s are elegant and pretty wines that should be drunk when young, the 2009s are far more rich, opulent and structured and with greater depth. While immediately appealing, the extra fruit concentration and structure gives them excellent ageing potential too.

It is a glorious vintage that can easily stand comparison with the much-celebrated 2007s. Concentrated, rich and with plenty of depth and lots of personality, these wines will bring much joy both early in their lives and after extended ageing. The Rhône is one of the three classic wine-producing regions in France, but is undoubtedly the region that offers the best value for money – and 2009 is unquestionably a vintage that must be invested in. 

 

Rhone Valley 2007 wines

Browse our full selection by producer:

Domaine René Rostaing

Domaine Ogier

Domaine du Colombier

Domaine du Cayron

Domaine du Pegau

Domaine André Brunel 

Domaine Charvin 

Domaine Bois de Boursan

Domaine Font de Michelle

Chateau de Beaucastel

Domaine M. Chapoutier

 

Vintage Report 

 

Northern Rhône 

The winter was severe, but Spring brought sunny weather and rain, which provided much-needed water resources for the approaching summer heat. A long, warm and dry summer followed with cool nights, providing the ideal conditions for the grapes to develop complex aromas. Rain fell around 15th August, which helped with the ripening process, but no rain fell in September or October. The resulting wines are ripe, with excellent fruit concentration and structure. Growers often compared this vintage with the 1999 vintage – a view also shared by Robert Parker: “… 2009 in the North is easily the best since 1999, and probably since 1990” The 2009 harvest began earlier – starting mid-September and ending in early October – but with no reduced yields that were common in the South.

 

Southern Rhône

Steady rainfall during April and May ensured that the vineyards were in good condition and well-watered by the time the heat arrived. After the storms around the 9th June, the rest of the month was mostly dry with a very strong Mistral, resulting in broken branches and loss of bunches. From then on, it was a very hot, dry summer with temperatures hitting 44 degrees at the end of August, which is very unusual for the time of year. A little rain fell on 15th and 16th September to refresh the vines, but otherwise the days were long and hot and the nights were cool and windy. Rain fell again on the 18th September, but by then it was too late to have any effect on the grapes. The smaller, concentrated berries produced a reduced crop with higher natural alcohol.