The Rhône Valley is a key wine-producing region in the southeast of France. It follows the north–south course of the Rhône river for almost 150 miles from Lyon to the Rhône Delta (the "Bouches-du-Rhône") on the Mediterranean coast. Often divided between its northern and southern climes, the Rhône Valley is associated with the purity of Syrah in the cooler northern appellations. In warmer, more southerly, latitudes Syrah is a blending component often with Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Six Wines from the Rhône Valley of France!

Roumieux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Calvaire 2009
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern

Wine Advocate 91:

This large estate is owned by the Mayard family and is run with considerable attention to detail since 1999 by Francoise Roumiex-Mayard and her sister, Beatrice. More pepper, garrigue, kirsch and black currant characteristics are found in the opulent, voluptuously textured, deep ruby/purple-tinged, full-bodied 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire. Generally made from a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault aged in cement tanks, it is a dense, rich wine to drink over the next 10-12 years.

Les Grands Bois Cuvee Gabrielle 2010
Cotes du Rhone Villages, Southern

Wine Advocate 90:

The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Gabrielle is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Carignan from 10- to 80-year-old vines, aged in barrique and neutral foudres. Bottled unfiltered, this deep, plum/purple-colored 2010 offers up black cherry, fig, roast beef, bouquet garni, licorice and soil notes. Deep, medium to full-bodied, rich and well-textured

Fondreche Cotes du Ventoux Persia 2007
Ventoux, Southern

Wine Advocate 96:

he finest wine to date for this estate is easily the 2007 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Persia. Made almost exclusively from Syrah and aged in barrel, it has incredible notes of black raspberries, flowers, incense and spice, as well as full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges and that gorgeous purity of fruit that makes this vintage so special throughout the south of France. Sebastien compared 2007 to 2015, which after tasting this wine, is high praise indeed. 2017-2027.

Alleno & Chapoutier Saint-Joseph La Couronne de Chabot 2010
Saint-Joseph, Northern

Vinous 91:

Opaque purple Syrah.  Deeply pitched aromas of black and blue fruit, licorice and cola, with smoke and mineral overtone.  Rich and expansive Saint Joseph with rich boysenberry and cassis flavors lifted by tangy acidity.  Finishes with lingering anise and olive notes.

Delas Saint Joseph Francois de Tournon 2013
Saint-Joseph, Northern

Vinous 92, Wine Advocate 92:

Vivid ruby Syrah.  Highly perfumed, exotic scents of black raspberry and blueberry preserves, incense and smoky minerals carry a spicy top note.   At once ripe and lively on the palate, offering palate-staining red and dark berry and cherry cola flavors and subtle floral character.  Finishes spicy and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and a lingering violet note.  Vinous

J L Chave Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone 2016
Cotes du Rhone, Northern

Vinous 91, Wine Spectator  91:

Livid ruby. Ripe cherries and red berry liquor on the deeply perfumed, spice tinged nose. Shows impressive power and breadth on the palate offering rich black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors complicated by hints of lavender and peppery spices. The smooth gently tannic finish delivers solid punch and repeating red berry floral notes.  Vinous