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An excellent vintage brimming with fruit
Another in a seemingly endless run of successful vintages, 2006 is a year of abundant, fleshy fruit, soft, sensuous tannins and beautiful balance. In a region known for its generous levels of alcohol, which are again evident this year, there is also a very attractive elegance and accessibility to the wines. They are less dense, and seemingly less tannic than 2005, but with excellent ripeness and more expressive fruit. They will be enjoyable relatively soon and for many years to come.
The Rhône is an area of great excitement at the moment. It’s true that, despite a four-year drought, nature has been kind to the region. But, more importantly, it is also home to a growing band of talented, innovative winemakers producing styles of wine that attract drinkers on the lookout for pure, hedonistic enjoyment. We are fortunate to represent many of them, from Clos du Caillou, Domaine de Cristia, Grand Veneur and Domaine de la Mordorée in the south, to François Villard and Pierre Gaillard in the north.
These estates also add a sometimes missing ingredient in the world’s classic regions: their prices are generally very reasonable, a factor that is sure to add a certain sweetness to the mid-palate of your Châteauneuf-du-Pape as you enjoy its rich and complex flavours.
Most of the wines have been tasted twice: firstly in November, when many of the blends haven’t been finalised, and one can only hope for a sneak preview of the potential; and secondly in February this year, when they are far more representative of what we will ultimately emerge when we uncork the finished wine.
Southern Rhône
2006 was generally a dry year, though thankfully not as dry as the previous three. The summer was hot until August, and then warm again in September. Although dry in terms of overall rainfall, almost-weekly showers helped the final balance of the wines, allowing for softer tannins than in the previous dry years. Although very ripe and full-bodied, the wines do have a liveliness that marks them out from many other vintages.
Northern Rhône
Given its proximity, it is not surprising that weather patterns were similar in the north. The summer started well, with a hot June and July, but then August was a great deal cooler. The heat came back in early September to ensure good ripeness for the Syrah. The result is aromatic wines with richness, finesse and great purity of fruit. They are a great deal softer than the 2005s, and will be approachable younger.
David Round MW
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