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Cote Rotie fared best. Hermitage and Cornas were less structured than in 1988
Weather Conditions
Arid conditions in the north slowed down maturation, but the best wines, picked during the last week in September, are the equal of the 1988s. In the south a warm dry summer led to early ripening, and in Châteauneuf picking began on 15 September.
Best Appellations
North: Côte Rotie fared best, but Hermitage and Cornas were less structured than in 1988, although they had ample rich fruit. South: red wines throughout were robust and fruity and will be long-lived. (Condrieu was good but suffered from high yields and low acidity)
Best Producers
Clusel-Roch, Guigal and Jasmin all made fine Cote Rotie, avoiding both jamminess and excessive acidiy. Excellent Hermitage from Chapoutier, Chave, Delas, Grippat, Guigal and Jaboulet.
Plenty of good Chateauneuf. Look to Beaucastel, Henri Bonneau, Andre Brunel, Mont Olivet, Vieux Telegraphe.
