Rhône
The Rhône Valley, located in southeastern France, is renowned for its exceptional fine wines. With its diverse terroir, rich history, and dedication to quality winemaking, the Rhône Valley offers a captivating selection of wines that embody the region's elegance, complexity, and distinctive character.
The Rhône Valley boasts its own iconic vineyards and wineries, including Château de Beaucastel, Domaine Guigal, and Chapoutier, which are celebrated for producing exceptional wines that showcase the region's unique terroir and winemaking expertise.
The Rhône Valley is renowned for its red wines, particularly in the northern part of the region. Syrah reigns as the dominant grape variety, producing intense and structured wines. Appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas are known for their robust and age-worthy reds, often displaying notes of black fruits, spice, and earthiness. Famous vineyards such as La Landonne, La Mouline, and Les Bessards are revered for their exceptional expressions of Syrah.
In the southern Rhône Valley, Grenache takes centre stage, contributing to the region's bold and fruit-forward red blends. The renowned appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famous for its rich and full-bodied red wines, often featuring a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Vineyards like Château de Beaucastel, Clos des Papes, and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe produce remarkable wines that showcase the region's commitment to excellence.
The Rhône Valley is also celebrated for its white wines, particularly in the northern part of the region. Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne are the key grape varieties, producing aromatic and complex whites. Appellations like Condrieu and Hermitage produce exceptional white wines known for their floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and vibrant acidity.
Rhône
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$10,365.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)Deep, lurid purple. Assertive, highly perfumed aromas of fresh blackberry, cherry, Moroccan spices and violet pick up olive and licorice nuances with air. Juicy, energetic and appealingly sweet, offering palate-staining red/blue fruit preserve, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that become deeper as the wine opens up. The floral and mineral notes repeat with gusto on an impressively long, focused finish that features youthfully firm tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$8,135.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)Elegant, perfumed, floral nose. This is generous, fresh and beguilingly complex already. It's dark and brooding but brimming with fruits, spices, flowers, a touch of smoke and graphite with a remarkably mineral, salty finish. Serious, but beautiful. |
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Rhone | 2 | 96 (DC) | HK$8,820.00 | |||||
Decanter (96)Liqueur-fruited, incredibly dense and opulent. The alcohol is quite high and the fruit very dark, underscored by big, slightly blocky and tight tannins. Rich, warming and generous style; very much a solaire vintage. |
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Rhone | 2 | 97 (VN) | HK$8,135.00 | |||||
Vinous (97)Opaque ruby. Vibrant blackberry, cherry, incense, Moroccan spice, potpourri and smoky mineral qualities on the expansive, seductively perfumed nose. Offers vibrant black and blue fruit, spicecake, olive and floral pastille flavors that show bright detail and energetic mineral lift. The floral and spice notes recur strongly on the youthfully gripping finish, which features mounting tannins and lingering smokiness. |
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Rhone | 1 | 98-100 (WA) | HK$28,265.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98-100)Lovers of Côte Rôtie shouldn't bother waiting for reviews of this bottling—just try to get as much as you can every year. The 2017 Cote Rotie Cote Brune should be bottled by the time you read this, but at the time of my visit, it was still in barrel. Aromatically, this has it all—violets, stems, cracked pepper, amazing fruit. It's full-bodied, dense and absolutely packed, yet it comes across as silky, lithe and engaging, with tremendous length and complexity on the finish. Always a thrill to taste out of barrel, it does firm up after bottling, so try to resist the urge to pop a cork before 2025 or so. |
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Rhone | 1 | 98-100 (WA) | HK$24,000.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98-100)Year after year, this is one of the top wines in the appellation. Jamet's 2018 Cote Rotie Cote Brune combines intense violet notes with mixed berries in a full-bodied wine that boasts incredible concentration yet never seems overly rich or heavy. Briny, fresh, silky and long, it's another tour de force from the talented Jamet family. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93-96 (WA) | HK$3,225.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93-96)The 2017 Cote Rotie was still in separate lots when I visited, yet I came away with remarkably similar impressions from the Gerine (fragrant charming and silky) and le Plomb (taut, intense and structural) as I did last year. A number of other lots will go into the final assemblage (Chavaroche, Fongeant, Lezardes and several more, probably including La Landonne). There's more cracked pepper and violets on the nose of the 2017 than the 2018 and also a touch more crispness and tension on the palate. |
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Rhone | 4 | 93-95 (VN) | HK$4,935.00 | |||||
Vinous (93-95)Dark violet color. Mineral- and smoke-accented dark berries, licorice and spicy black pepper on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy cherry and blackcurrant flavors show impressive energy courtesy of an undercurrent of smoky minerality that adds lift and back-end cut. Picks up olive and floral notes on the impressively long finish, which is shaped by smooth, well-knit tannins. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$2,285.00 | |||||
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Presenting the Duclaux Cote Rotie La Germine 2016, an exemplary wine hailing from the renowned valley of Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, France. This top-tier wine is a testament to the superior winemaking skills of Duclaux Family, master vintners for seven generations. Expertly crafted from a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, it is known for its elegance and finesse. The Duclaux Cote Rotie La Germine 2016 embodies a meticulous approach to vinification, matured in French Oak barrels for varying durations to create a unique profile. Renowned for its highly concentrated, multi-layered character, this wine exhibits a striking bouquet of wild berries, blackcurrant, and violet along with distinctive notes of black olives, peppercorn, and graphite. Savour a bottle of Duclaux Cote Rotie La Germine 2016, a wine that promises an unparalleled tasting experience of superior complexity, richness, and longevity. An undeniable delight for truly discerning wine enthusiasts. |
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Rhone | 1 | 90 (VN) | HK$1,740.00 | |||||
Vinous (90)Inky ruby. Candied dark fruits, potpourri and olive on the nose, complemented by lively mineral and black pepper overtones. Deep-pitched cherry and blackberry flavors unfold slowly with air, picking up a subtle floral nuance and a touch of licorice. Closes chewy and long, displaying slow-building, youthful tannins and lingering spiciness. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95-97 (JD) | HK$1,953.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)Coming from pure granite soils of the Patou lieu-dit, the 2019 Cornas Patou is another brilliant wine in the making from this small family estate. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as awesome black and blue fruits, ground pepper, beef blood, and spring flower-like aromatics, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, building yet ripe tannins, and a monster of a finish. It might need a decade to hit maturity, but it’s a phenomenal Cornas that will evolve for 20-30 years. |
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Rhone | 23 | 97 (JS) | HK$1,840.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)Smelling this great Chateauneuf is like gazing into a deep chasm. Amazing complexity with aromas ranging from black raspberries through to candied orange, but also notes of raw meat and licorice. Super-concentrated, super-structured, but also more elegant than a wine built on this monumental scale can theoretically be. Extremely long, complete finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94-96+ (WA) | HK$1,645.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94-96+)Despite coming in at 15.2% alcohol, the 2018 Saint Joseph La Dardouille shows absolutely no alcohol-derived heat. With accents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and violets layered over deep cassis and blueberry fruit, this wine should prove outstanding. It's full-bodied, concentrated and richly textured, with a long, vibrant and intensely-flavored finish that also manages to be elegant. Wow. |
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Rhone | 2 | - | HK$2,040.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$2,340.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 13 | - | HK$1,420.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 98+ (JD) | HK$5,000.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)More bloody meat, black raspberries, wood smoke, spice, and truffle notes emerge from the 2017 Hermitage Le Méal, a massive, opulent effort that has loads of opulence and fruit, building tannins, a gorgeous mid-palate, and a monster finish. It's one of the finest wines I've tasted from this estate! It’s already approachable yet promises to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years or more. |
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Rhone | 3 | 93-96 (JD) | HK$5,400.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)Inky colored, the 2016 Ermitage Les Dionnières offers classic Hermitage notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, violets and toasted spice. It shows more minerality with time in the glass, is deep, rich and concentrated on the palate, has plenty of tannin, and a great finish. This is terrific, but unfortunately, there are only 125 cases produced. |
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$4,000.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)Opaque ruby. Highly expressive aromas of black/blue fruit preserves, exotic spices and incense pick up a smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Seamless and broad in the mouth but distinctly energetic as well, offering intense, mineral-inflected black raspberry, bitter cherry and blueberry flavors and a hint of candied violet. Finishes seamless and extremely long, with an echo of juicy blue fruit and harmonious tannins that add gentle grip. This wine is an especially lively example of the vintage; no way I would have guessed that it came from a hot year. (20% whole clusters and 25% new oak) |
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Rhone | 1 | 98 (JD) | HK$4,330.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98)Lastly, the 2016 Ermitage Le Méal is the top wine from Ferraton, and rightly so, as it’s a magical wine in 2016. Rocking notes of black raspberries, blackberries, toasted spices, tapenade, and dry aged beef all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with a wealth of material yet stays balanced, layered, and seamless. It's a sensational wine that's up with the top wines of the vintage. Hats off to the team at Ferraton for this remarkable wine as well as their full lineup of wines in 2016. |
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Rhone | 10 | - | HK$1,640.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (JD) | HK$2,235.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95)An old vine Syrah-dominated blend, brought up all in foudre, the 2017 Ventoux Divergent offers extraordinary notes of black fruits, bacon fat, camphor, and garrigue. Seeming to have one foot in the Northern Rhône and one in the Southern Rhône, it’s a ripe, layered, multi-dimensional Syrah that has a terrific mid-palate, a great texture, and the structure to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and evolve gracefully for over a decade. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) | HK$29,345.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)Vivid red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by incense, lavender and pungent herbs. Pliant red fruit flavors are deepened by candied licorice and bitter chocolate, with bright acidity adding lift. The tightly focused, energetic, impressively persistent finish leaves tangy mineral and bitter cherry skin notes behind. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$17,820.00 | |||||
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Unveiling a sought-after treasure, allow us to introduce the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1991; a red wine held in high esteem by connoisseurs worldwide. Crafted under the watchful eye of Emmanuel Reynaud, a winemaker with a respectable legacy, this is a product of utmost devotion and passion. This wine distinctly hails from southern Rhône, France, where the terroir provides a compelling bouquet of flavours and a fine, balanced structure. It has been gracefully aged in oak barrels to develop a remarkable dimension of taste and complexity. Showcasing an elegant cascade of flavours, including fresh blackcurrant, sun-soaked berries, subtle earthiness, and a hint of smoke, the Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 1991 offers a magical journey for your palate. With each sip, you'll discover a luscious, full-bodied wine that blankets the palate with soft tannins, discernible fruit, and a lingering finish. An effortlessly classic Rhône Syrah, worthy of any discerning collector's cellar. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$22,860.00 | |||||
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Experience the opulent Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007, an outstanding representation of French oenology from the acclaimed producer Emmanuel Reynaud. This creation hails from the renowned vineyards of Cotes Du Rhone, a territory known for producing fierce, power-packed wines. Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007 is no exception, boasting a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. This dark and intense wine showcases the potential of Rhone wines. It offers an enticing bouquet of concentrated black fruit entwined with spice and undercurrents of soft tannins, culminating in an attention-demanding finish. Each bottle bears the mark of meticulous traditional viticulture practices and extended maturation in old foudres, ensuring an exquisite expression of the vintage. Enjoy this jewel of a wine with hearty meals, or as a stand-alone treat. The Fonsalette Cotes Du Rhone Syrah 2007 should undoubtedly hold a special place in the cellar of every discerning wine aficionado. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$2,755.00 | |||||
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Discover the elegant sophistication of the Font Courtedune Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018. Produced in the southern Rhône region of France, this remarkable wine exemplifies the richness of the terroir. With a biodynamic production process overseen by Paul Jeune, this wine respects both natural and lunar rhythms, enhancing its unique essence. The 2018 vintage reveals a sublime interplay of vibrant red berries, robust spices, and a hint of dark chocolate, layered with silky tannins. An exquisite balance of intensity and fineness, the Font Courtedune Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018 is a testament to traditional winemaking techniques, achieved through the blend of 13 local grape varietals, predominantly Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Font Courtedune's ethos of respecting the earth yields a wine that fully exhibits the distinct characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy this captivating wine, a testament to the vibrant authenticity of the Rhône region. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (WA) | HK$3,590.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet carries a bit more dark fruit and concentration than the regular bottling, but it remains a silky, fine and elegant wine for drinking over the next decade or so. Subtle toast and vanilla notes frame ripe cherries in this full-bodied yet supple, easy-to-drink wine. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$4,050.00 | |||||
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Embodying the iconic tradition of Rhône Valley winemaking, the Francois Merlin Cote Rotie 2016 is a product of meticulous vinification. Francois Merlin, a well-established producer with three generations of viticulture in his veins, utilises local expertise and time-honoured techniques in crafting this gorgeous Côte Rôtie. Merlin's 2016 vintage emanates from 30-year-old Syrah vines, grown in distinctive Cote Brune soil, known for its richness in iron and mica. Complementing the Syrah is a small inclusion of Viognier, yielding a sophisticated blend of vibrant aromatics and structural complexity. After partially destemming the grapes, they undergo traditional fermenting in thermo-regulated vats before maturation in oak barrels for two years. Nestled in the heart of the terroir, the Francois Merlin Cote Rotie 2016 offers a velvety, intense palate, marrying notes of blackcurrant, violet, and spice. It demonstrates a beautiful balance between opulence and elegance, a testament to the nuances of the Côte Rôtie vineyards. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$1,940.00 | |||||
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The Gaillard Saint Joseph Releve 2020 is an expression of masterful winemaking from the highly respected French producer, Pierre Gaillard. Nestled in the Northern Rhone Valley, the vineyard is famed for its unique terroir. This Syrah varietal undergoes a maturation period of 18 months in oak barrels, resulting in a sophisticated palette featuring rich and intense black fruits, gentle spice notes and a velvety tannic structure. Noted for its deep, dark colour, the wine is imbued with captivating aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and violet. The Gaillard Saint Joseph Releve 2020 is exemplary of Pierre Gaillard's lifelong devotion to capturing the authenticity of the Rhone Valley in his wines. It is a perfect marriage of modern and traditional winemaking techniques, encapsulating the passion and flair of its producer, whilst rendering an exquisite taste sensation sure to command the attention of discerning wine enthusiasts around the world. |
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Rhone | 4 | - | HK$5,715.00 | |||||
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The Gallety Cote du Vivarais La Ligure 2017 is an absolute gem, hailing from the Ardèche region of France. It is crafted by the father-son duo of Domaine Gallety, who are dedicated to the cultivation of their vineyards under stringent sustainable practices. This impeccable blend of Grenache and Syrah exhibits superb finesse and balance. Produced using traditional methods, the wine is aged for 18 months in wooden barrels, allowing it to express subtlety and elegance. The results are profound, offering exceptional aromatic complexity. Notes of blackcurrant, thyme, and cacao lend themselves harmoniously to a lingering, robust and peppery finish. The Gallety Cote du Vivarais La Ligure 2017 is truly an embodiment of the land, capturing the unique terroir of the Côtes du Vivarais. It is not merely a drink but an experience in every sense. An authentic French treasure providing an unrivalled tasting pleasure. |
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