Insider’s Tip: 2015 Southern Rhône Whites
Here’s an insider’s top for a few stunning wines that too often fall under the radar but are certainly worth your attention, especially during a great southern vintage like 2015.
Southern Rhône white wines — showcasing the vibrant, sultry flavors of grapes such as Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne and Roussanne, among others — are complex and flavorful, with good body, acidity and balance. In 2015, the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are especially impressive. Always limited, but worth seeking out!
Here’s what our friends from the Wine Advocate (RobertParker.com) have to say about our partners…
LE CLOS DU CAILLOU 2015
“The Vacheron family, along with winemaker Bruno Gaspard and assistant Aude Perche, as well as superstar oenologist Philippe Cambie, continue to keep Clos du Caillou one of the leading estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines always show a more elegant, polished style, with plenty of fruit, yet have gorgeous Southern Rhône characters, sweet tannin and serious length … as the scores and notes show, these are killer wines I wish every Southern Rhône lover could try.”
2015 Côtes du Rhône Blanc
“…another beauty with the distinct, saline-like minerality present in all of these whites, as well as lots of white peach, white flowers and apple peel. Medium-bodied, textured, fresh and impeccably made, it’s another no brainer to enjoy over the coming couple of years.”
2015 Côtes du Rhône Blanc ‘Bouquet des Garrigues’
“…lots of Viognier character in its white peach, tangerine and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely textured and yet still fresh, drink it over the coming year or so.”
2015 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc ‘Les Safres’
“The rock star 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc Les Safres offers tons of ripe citrus, pineapple, flowers and salty minerality in its richly textured, yet fresh and lively profile…I love it.”
CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2015
2015 Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
“…a terrific white from this team and it ranks alongside the 2012 as my favorite to date. Made from mostly Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc, with smaller amounts of Grenache Blanc, Picardan and Picpoul, it’s a medium-bodied, crisp and fresh effort that has solid intensity and depth in its citrus blossom, spice, pear and floral aromas and flavors. It will drink nicely for 4-5 years, and probably keep even longer.”
