THE 2020 VINTAGE

BALANCE, ELEGANCE, FRESHNESS AND IMMEDIATE DRINKABILITY

- KRISTEN BIELER JAMES MOLESWORTH

The 2019 vintage was a hard act to follow-a stunning year offering wines of power, concentration and longevity-yet the 2020 harvest offers a lot to get excited about. Since last year's report, Wine Spectator has reviewed more than 475 wines from the Northern and Southern Rhône, the bulk of which are from the 2020 vintage. In total, 369 wines earned ratings of 90 points or higher, including 60 wines that scored in the classic range of 95-plus. An impressive 143 wines rated 88 or more points while costing $30 or less, illustrating the region's ability to deliver both grands vins and great value.

As in previous years, the Rhône experienced very hot, dry conditions throughout much of the 2020 growing season, yet the wines show excellent freshness and slightly lower alcohol levels than in recent vintages. Although just recently released, they offer a lot of early drinking pleasure.

The Southern Rhône: Balance & Accessibility

While the red wines lack some of the concentration of 2019, they offer beautiful freshness and superb fruit purity. Because of their silky tannins, they are drinking well out of the gate, without the need for much cellaring, if any. The year's white wines also show good balance and vibrancy, with higher acidity levels nicely buoying generous ripe fruit character.

Quality was more heterogeneous than 2019 across the board, with top terroirs and producers shining more brightly. For fans of elegance over power, the 2020s deliver.