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Southern Rhône & Languedoc 2001

The second part of my Rhône 2001 tasting notes features wines from the southern part of the valley, and also a small selection from Languedoc and Provence. There's a much better performance from the southern Rhône than the north in this vintage. Admittedly, the tasting didn't take in a huge range of appellations - just one wine from Gigonds, one from Vacqueyras, and so on. From the small number of Châteauneuf wines tasted, however, it is clear that this appellation enjoyed great success in 2001, and that there will some great wines available. Those tasted here were universally pleasing.

Further south, there were also worthy efforts from Mas de Daumas Gassac and Prieure de St Jean de Bebian. Followers of these domaines should have no qualms about purchasing the 2001 vintage. (13/3/03)

Southern Rhône & Languedoc 2001 - Tasting Notes

Tasted in March 2003. Click to locate stockists.

Côtes du Rhône

Roger Sabon Côtes du Rhône 2001: A pale, pink-red hue. Not very expressive on the nose. Nicely rounded on the palate, with a smoky edge, but lacks fruit and intensity. Maybe even charm. Not in keeping with the vintage. 15/20

Lirac

Roger Sabon Lirac Chapelle de Maillac 2001: Moderate colour. Much more interest on the nose, with some sweet fruit. Full, plump, but structured on the palate. Quite sweet and ripe. Punching above it's weight. Good value for money. 16/20

Châteauneuf du Pape

Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2001: Wonderful depth of colour, a dark, inky purple. Great nose - sweet Grenache cherry character, with real depth. Mourvèdre shows through more on the palate, which is meaty with cigar box nuances. Full of fruit, powerful, but with elegant balance. Lovely tannic structure underneath it all, hidden by the fruit at present. Undoubtedly top wine of the tasting, north and south. I taste more from this producer in my profile. 19+/20

Paul Autard Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2001: Pale colour. Good fruit on the nose, with an oily, herbetty edge. Fresh and vibrant fruit on the palate, with great texture. The sherbetty edge follows through but doesn't distract too much. 16.5+/20

Paul Autard Châteauneuf du Pape Côte Ronde 2001: Dark red-purple colour, with some fading just at the rim. Very expressive on the nose, with smoky, super-ripe blueberry fruit. Medium bodied on the palate, full and rounded texture. Great fruit, and tannins hiding behind. Balanced acidity. Lovely to drink now but suitable for the cellar. 17+/20

Roger Sabon Châteauneuf du Pape Olivets 2001: Good colour, deep and earthy. Subtle aromas on the nose which seems a little closed, but there is fruit and some notes of roasted herbs. Lovely weight and elegant balance on the palate. Acidity correct, although just on the low side. Plenty of fruit, with ripe, seamless tannins. 17.5+/20

Languedoc

Mas de Daumas Gassac (Vin de Pays de l'Herault) 2001: Moderately deep but vibrant red. This has class on the nose, with layers of fruit. Structured and balanced on the palate, with sweet, dark, deep-pile fruit. Correct acidity. More from this domaine in my profile. 17+/20

Prieure de St Jean de Bebian Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc 2001: Predominantly Roussanne (60%), the remainder Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Clairette and Grenache Blanc. Moderate colour. Some richness on the nose, which is honey-edged. A lovely presence of rounded fruit on the palate, with an oily quality, and cinder toffee notes. Very clean. Interesting wine. 17+/20

Prieure de St Jean de Bebian Coteaux du Languedoc Rouge 2001: Moderate depth of colour. Very expressive nose, with sweet brambly fruit. Similarly sweet and roundly textured on the palate, with smoke-edged bramble fruit. Firm, correct acidity. Lovely ripe tannins. 17.5+/20