Coverage of the 2023 Rhône vintage is currently underway on Decanter Premium, highlighting a year characterized by juicy and accessible wines in the south and a return to a classic expression in the north.
Following a dry winter, spring brought substantial rain, presenting challenges for vineyards; however, the Rhône region managed to avoid the severe mildew issues faced by other areas like Bordeaux. By the end of August, a heatwave made a significant impact on the quality of the wines produced.
Decanter’s report is the most comprehensive to date for this increasingly popular region, featuring not only southern and northern Rhône crus but also wines from Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, and satellite appellations like Ventoux and Luberon.
From a tasting pool of over 1,250 wines, the report will highlight the most notable 400 wines across various styles, colors, and price ranges. This includes an editorial overview of the vintage that discusses key climatic events and their influence on the wine style.
Additionally, the report will provide an in-depth look at both southern and northern Rhône areas, examining sub-regions and individual crus, as some appellations fared better than others due to localized storms during growing season.
Readers can expect lists of the best value wines, key producers to note within each cru, and an overview of both red and white wines for the vintage. The first edition of the report, titled Southern Rhône 2023: The Connoisseur’s Guide, is available on Decanter Premium, with a second installment set for release in December and an abridged version scheduled for the February 2025 edition of Decanter Magazine.