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The first in a trio of superb vintages for the Rhône Valley. The weather was kind to growers throughout, although hail and rain during flowering at Côte-Rôtie reduced potential yields. The summer was hot and dry and the August rains merely served to make the grapes swell. There was rain in late September but the harvest was not seriously disrupted.
In the Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie was the most successful appellation with the wines being very concentrated and well structured. Very good wines were also produced in Hermitage and St.Joseph.
In the Southern Rhône, very impressive wines were produced in Châteauneuf-du-Pape although they have been rather neglected in favour of the awesome 89s and 90s.