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.
This story is from the February 28, 2023 edition of Wine Spectator.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 28, 2023 edition of Wine Spectator.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Drouhin Expands its Burgundy Acreage
Maison Joseph Drouhin has purchased two estates in Burgundy, totaling nearly 50 acres of vineyards: Château de Chasselas in St.-Véran and the Rapet estate in St.-Romain.
Gallo Buys Notable Pinot Noir Player
America's largest wine company continues to expand, particularly with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Brad Pitt and the Perrin Family Get in the Gin Game
After a decade of building the Côtes de Provence-based Miraval brand together, Brad Pitt and Famille Perrin have decided to partner in the spirits industry with Gardener gin.
Jack Daniel's, Bad Spaniels and the Supreme Court
\"This case is about dog toys and whiskey, two items seldom appearing in the same sentence.\"
THE MARTINELLI STORY
LOVE SONOMA PINOT NOIR AND ZINFANDEL? THANK THE HARD WORK OF FIVE GENERATIONS OF THIS CALIFORNIA GRAPE-GROWING FAMILY
Exploration Brings Rewards
Part of the beauty of wine is the opportunity to expand horizons. Often there's also a value element to less-known wines.
2020 Cabernet Intel: Spottswoode
The Napa winery was able to thread the needle, with most of its harvest already fermenting before the smoke rolled in.
Paneer: A Simple Recipe to Make at Home
There's a lot to like about paneer, the fresh cheese that's a major staple of Indian cuisine.
Scientists Identify Byzantine Era Grapes
Archaeologists digging in the Negev desert in southern Israel have uncovered evidence of a booming wine industry dating back more than 1,500 years.
Château Haut-Brion Owner Buys Significant Wine Book Collection
In April 2022, Sonomabased antiquarian bookseller Ben Kinmont oversaw the sale of the Thackrey Library, a valuable collection of more than 700 tomes and documents assembled by California winemaker Sean Thackrey.