The 2000 vintage in the Rhône Valley proved to be the 3rd good vintage in a row though maybe it may be marginally eclipsed in quality by the stunning 1998s and 1999s. In the Northern Rhône the winter was mild and was then followed by a warm but wet spring. June was hot but July saw overcast weather and below average temperatures. August was exceptionally hot and dry and harvesting began on September 6th. There was some rain during the harvests but quality was not unduly affected. The Côte Rôties and Hermitages are deeply coloured and rich and ripe on the palate with silky tannins and very good length.
The weather patterns were very similar in the Southern Rhône with temperatures in august being even higher than in the north. Harvesting began early in September and many of the grapes were harvested prior to the onset of storms around September 20th. The wines are concentrated, harmonious and super ripe - the Châteauneufs du Papes in particular are exceptional.
The 2000 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage À Jacques Perrin (60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise, and 10% Syrah) was singing! Open, upfront, sexy and seamless, with awesome notes of saddle leather, Provencal herbs, barnyard, spice and licorice-soaked black cherry and sweet cassis, it hit the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and an unctuous, heavenly texture. Reminding me of the 1990, yet perhaps just slightly less intense, this is a profound effort that will drink nicely for another two decades or more. Jeb Dunnuck - 28/02/2015
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Jeb Dunnuck - 28/02/2015