11 Best Northern Rhone Syrah-Based Red Wines From Hermitage to Cornas – Robb Report

Although grapes have been grown on the steep slopes of the Rhône since Greek and Roman times, modern winemaking in the region dates back to the 18th century.^th century. The wine barrels here were first marked ‘CDR’ in 1737, meaning Right Bank of the Côte du Rhône. More than 100 years later, the same initials were used for Left Bank wines, but this time short for the plural of Côtes du Rhône..

The entire Rhône Valley is characterized by hot, sunny days that help the grapes reach full ripeness and rocky soils that retain intense heat day and night. The northern Rhône is known for its bold Syrah-based reds from the Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Koruna, Cote Rotie and Saint-Joseph appellations, while the neighboring Rhône to the south is famous for its Grenache-based wines.

Hermitage wines may contain a blend of up to 15% white grapes from both Roussanne and Marsanne, while St. Joseph may have an additional 10% of these two grapes. The Koruna appellation only allows wines to be made with 100 percent Syrah, while Côte Rôtie allows up to 20 percent Viognier (also white). The addition of these local white varieties softens Syrah’s tannins and adds floral notes to the bouquet.

Expect full flavors of blackberry, plum, black cherry and cassis with hints of spices such as cloves, black pepper and star anise, earthy notes of saddle leather, truffle and black olives, and a hint of floral. Strong tannins and bold acidity from the oak and from the grape itself can be felt. The wines of the northern Rhône age gracefully in the cellars for up to 50 years, but the best time to drink these wines is he 8-12 years. Here are 11 to snap right now.

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Antoine Jaboulet founded the winery that bears his name in 1834. His legacy continues today in the Frey family, who have transformed their estate into a certified organic over the past 20 years. This delightful wine is named after the chapel overlooking the vineyards. Ruby garnet in the glass with aromas of blackberry, red plum and smoke. Dark fruit, dried fig and tobacco leaf flavors and silky tannins fill the mouth and lead to a persistent finish.

Buy Now: $210

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Bright ruby ​​in the glass, this delicious wine has a complex bouquet of red and black fruits, saddle leather and brown baking spices. In the mouth, ripe fruit flavors and soft, suede-like tannins lead to a long finish. Drink now or continue to drink for the next 20 years.

Buy Now: $115

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Guigal, one of the most famous names in the region, never disappoints lovers of the Rhône Valley, offering a wide portfolio of wines at different price points. This affordable wine has aromas of cherries and blueberries with a touch of black pepper. On the palate, ripe fruit flavors shine through with a hint of dried lavender on the finish.

Buy Now: $83

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Established in the Northern Rhône Valley for over 500 years, the Chaves family is known both locally and internationally for its quality wines. A deep ruby ​​in the glass, this enchanting Hermitage offers aromas of purple flowers, red plums and blueberries. In the mouth, fruity flavors dance on the tongue, accented by dried Mediterranean herbs and freshly ground white pepper.

Buy Now: $74

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Poured in the glass, this delightful Cornus with its deep garnet color has aromas of cassis, purple flowers and dried toasty spices. Fermented and aged in new French oak barrels, it has flavors of black fruit, sweet brown baking spices and vanilla. Full bodied in the mouth with soft tannin structure and long finish. Drink now or continue to drink for the next 10 years.

Buy Now: $117

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Bright ruby ​​in the glass, this seductive Cornus has aromas of black licorice, black fruits and smoked charcuterie. In the mouth, fruit flavors shine with subtle hints of violet and lavender. It has a nice tannin structure and a long finish that gives a nice grip on the palate.

Buy Now: $53

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Vidal Fleury has been around since 1781 and was one of the wineries visited by Thomas Jefferson in 1787. This wine is made up of grapes sourced from his two plots, Cote Blond and Cote Brune. A bright garnet color with notes of charcuterie, roasted meats and cedarwood. Medium bodied and silky on the palate with flavors of black plum, black cherry and cassis. Let this he drink now until the end of the decade.

Buy Now: $99

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Poured into the glass, this stunning ruby ​​red wine has aromas of dark cherries, braised prunes, freshly picked violets and freshly ground black pepper. The palate is complex with flavors of dark fruit, nutmeg, cinnamon and silky soft tannins. Finishing lasts for days. Drink now until 2034.

Buy Now: $69

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This lovely wine is now drinking perfectly. Aromas of blackberry, black plum and black currant transition seamlessly into the same flavors on the palate. It has nice acidity and slightly slippery tannins, and the finish has notes of white pepper and powdered cocoa.

Buy Now: $81

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Warm vanilla notes are drawn into the complex bouquet of this charming wine. There are also blackcurrant, black raspberry and blueberry aromas. On the palate, it has ripe fruit flavors and a finish with hints of cedar and licorice.

Buy Now: $69

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Enticing aromas of freshly picked violets and graphite lead to fruity aromas of black raspberry and red plum. It has great mouthfeel and flavors of dark fruit and blueberry with a bit of weight on the mid palate. The tannins are soft and round, and the finish is fairly long. Drink now through 2029.

Buy Now: $200