504 products

Southern Rhone

Considered one of the bargain categories in European wine, the wave of enthusiasm for Cotes du Rhone styles continues to grow. This vast region offers delicious Grenache-based reds, often blended with Cinsault, Shiraz & Mourvedre that are densely coloured, fleshy, supple and flavourful. Entry level wines make for delightful early drinking, while the very best examples can be exceptionally long-lived. Focusing on small grower-producers, Nicks Wine Merchants directly import some tremendous values from Rasteau, Cairanne, Valreas, Gigondas, Lirac and Chateauneuf du Pape, amongst others. Rhone Rose and dry white wines are also frequently stocked.
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Tardieu-Laurent Rasteau Vieilles Vignes
    Rasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $30. 99
    Bottle
    $371.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Other reviews....
    A blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre, the 2013 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes offers classic Rasteau character in its crushed-rock-like minerality, smoked earth, ground herbs and sweet black cherry fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh and with beautiful purity, it's a classy looking effort that should drink nicely on release.
    89-91 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - eRobertParker.com #215 (Oct 2014)

    • 96
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
    Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $71. 99
    Bottle
    $863.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2022-2024)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Pronounced aromas of black raspberries, liquorice and some ripe black cherries are entwined with hints of incense, dried meat, earth and pepper. Full bodied, very rich and concentrated the palate oozes succulent black fruit flavours of black raspberries, liquorice and black cherries over a background of incense infusions, lightly scorched earth and spice. Dry chewy finish with a solid base of grippy tannins providing the framework. Outstanding power and depth with a long aftertaste of black raspberries, liquorice, black cherries, lightly scorched earth, dried meats and spice.
    Cellar 6-8 years.
    Alc 14.5%

    Other reviews....
    Coming in at one-third the normal production due to the decimated Grenache yields, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. In addition, since no Cuvee Speciale was made, this cuvee benefited from all the top grapes. Fabulously concentrated, with a textured, medium to full-bodied feel, it offers up impressive black raspberry, cassis, graphite and ground-pepper aromas and flavors. Possessing good acidity and building tannic grip, this beauty has the texture to drink reasonably well on release, yet should have 10-15 years of overall longevity as well.
    92-94 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - eRobertParker.com #215 (Oct 2014)

    Inky ruby. Pungent dark berry, cherry pit, cola and sassafras scents, with hints of allspice and woodsmoke in the background. Shows very good clarity and lift on the palate, with juicy blackcurrant, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors fleshing out and gaining sweetness in the mid-palate. Finishes sappy, smoky and expansive, with supple tannins and an echo of vibrant dark fruits and floral pastilles.
    91-93 points
    Josh Raynolds - vinous.com

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    2016 Tardieu-Laurent Les Becs Fins Cotes du Rhone Villages
    Cotes du Rhone Villages, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $22. 99
    Bottle
    $275.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2022-2023)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    A blend of 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah, the Syrah component sourced from 30 year old vines and the Grenache from 60 year old vines. Elevage took place in concrete tanks for 12 months.

    Opaque dark red black tinged colour with a bright dark red hue. Lifted spicy dark raspberry and ripe dark cherry aromas are followed by some liquorice, earthy dried herb elements and faint pepper. Juicy dark raspberry and ripe black cherry flavours fill the medium bodied palate with underlying earthy dried herb characters concluding with a spicy finish. Bright acidity and fine grained tannins frame the fruit. Long, lively aftertaste of dark raspberry, dark cherry, earthy herb and spice aftertaste.
    Cellar 4-5 years.
    Alc. 14.5%

    Other Reviews….
    The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Becs Fins is slightly more forward and charming, with a modern style in its cassis, vanilla bean and blackberry jam aromas and flavors. Possessing both richness and elegance, it’s going to a delicious red that drinks well above its price point.
    90-92 points
    JebDunnuck.com

    • Nick's Import
    2013 Tardieu-Laurent Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
    Gigondas, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $41. 99
    Bottle
    $503.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Opaque black red colour with a bright crimson purple hue. Meaty scorched earth top notes are intermixed with aromas of black cherries, subtle liquorice and graphite. Medium bodied with good richness and a restrained meaty textural feel, the palates initial flavours of black cherries and liquorice are overlaid by dried meats and earth with touches of leather and pepper on the finish. Dry chewy tannins with an aftertaste of black cherries, earth, dried meats, leather and blackpepper. A rustic style of Gigondas.
    Cellar 5-6 years.
    Alc 14.5%

    Other reviews....
    More firm and structured than the Vacqueyras (which is to be expected), the 2013 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes offers up an array of toasted spice, graphite, licorice and sweet black raspberry fruit. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, firm, structured and focused Gigondas that has enough tannic grip to warrant short-term cellaring. Nevertheless, it has impressive concentration and is a rock-solid effort that will have 10-12 years of longevity.
    89-91 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - eRobertParker.com #215 (Oct 2014)

    Bright violet color. Heady, spice-laced aromas of ripe dark berries and cherry, with a suave floral overtone. Fleshy and broad on entry, then more taut in the middle, offering sweet black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of lavender pastille. Silky tannins sneak up slowly on the finish, which lingers with outstanding clarity and spicy tenacity. This wine was made entirely with whole clusters.
    92-93 points
    Josh Raynolds - vinous.com

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    2015 Tardieu-Laurent Les Becs Fins Cotes du Rhone Villages
    Cotes du Rhone Villages, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $16. 99
    Bottle
    $203.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2021-2022)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, the Syrah component sourced from 30 year old vines and the Grenache from 60 year old vines. Elevage took place in concrete tanks for 12 months.

    Opaque dark purple black colour with a bright purple hue. Elevated aromatics of dark raspberries and black cherries laced with hints of liquorice and incense are followed by some scorched earth notes and spice. Medium weight with a fleshy vibrant feel to the fruit, delicious dark raspberry and black cherry flavours fill the palate over some liquorice, traces of scorched earth and spicy pepper. Lively finish with very fine grained perfectly integrated tannins. Medium to long spicy aftertaste of dark cherries, liquorice, a touch of scorched earth and pepper. A charming Cotes du Rhone from the Outstanding 2015 vintage.
    Cellar 4-5 years.
    Alc 14.5%

    • 92
    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2015 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale Pre-arrival Offer
    Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews....
    (sourced from vines more than 100 years old in La Crau and made entirely with whole clusters) Lurid ruby. Deeply perfumed cherry, raspberry, licorice and Asian spice aromas open up with air and pick up suggestions of candied flowers and smoky minerals. Palate-staining red berry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted and given focus by a core of smoky minerality. Concentrated and seamless in texture, delivering outstanding closing thrust, supple tannins and lingering florality.
    92-95 points
    Josh Raynolds - Vinous

    Entirely whole cluster, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale still doesn't show a ton of complexity. Matured half in concrete and half in foudre, it does deliver layers of ripe, supple fruit and a lush, creamy texture. Raspberries and blackberries linger on the finish.
    92 points
    Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate #233 (Nov 2017)


    Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:

    1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
    2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
    3. Payment in full is required at time of order to secure these wines at the pre-arrival pricing
    4. The wines are being shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in May 2018.
    5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
    6. Errors and omissions excepted.
    7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined on the Freight Rates page.
    • Nick's Import
    2012 Tardieu-Laurent Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes
    Vacquerays, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $41. 99
    Bottle
    $503.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Maison Tardieu Laurent has developed a solid following here in Australia in recent years. Their 2007s have been stunning across the board. In 2008, they dodged the bullets, providing us with some of the finest wines in what was a difficult vintage for the Southern Rhone, then they came back ever so strongly with the stunning 2009 and 2010 vintages in both North and South. 2011 delivered fresh, aromatic wines that are drinking well already.

    In 2012 the wines across the board are a step above their 2011 counteparts, rich and fruit driven with good concentration. Likened to a lighter styled 2010 vintage, the wines are again vibrant and expressive, with dark fruit and medium to full-bodied richness. While they will be aproachable on release, the best will live for 15+ years.

    Given their remarkable quality and consistency, it's no surprise that globally, the wines of Tardieu Laurent are in bigger demand than ever. So much so that the Australian allocations have steadily been reduced in recent years. Quite simply, they're becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Consequently, we've got in early to secure a selection of the 2012s as direct imports. The prices are fantastic but the quantities available are extremely limited and the wines will be sold on a first in first served basis. Don't delay!

    Other Reviews...
    More floral and perfumed, the Grenache dominated 2012 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes (fermented with lots of whole cluster and aged all in 1-2 year old barrels) offers plenty of blackberry, blueberry, violets, mint, spice and toast to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich and chewy profile on the palate. Pure, balance and layered, it should be outstanding and drink nicely for 8-10 years, if not longer.
    89-91 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue #210 Dec 2013

    • Nick's Import
    2012 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape
    Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Maison Tardieu Laurent has developed a solid following here in Australia in recent years. Their 2007s have been stunning across the board. In 2008, they dodged the bullets, providing us with some of the finest wines in what was a difficult vintage for the Southern Rhone, then they came back ever so strongly with the stunning 2009 and 2010 vintages in both North and South. 2011 delivered fresh, aromatic wines that are drinking well already.

    In 2012 the wines across the board are a step above their 2011 counteparts, rich and fruit driven with good concentration. Likened to a lighter styled 2010 vintage, the wines are again vibrant and expressive, with dark fruit and medium to full-bodied richness. While they will be aproachable on release, the best will live for 15+ years.

    Given their remarkable quality and consistency, it's no surprise that globally, the wines of Tardieu Laurent are in bigger demand than ever. So much so that the Australian allocations have steadily been reduced in recent years. Quite simply, they're becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Consequently, we've got in early to secure a selection of the 2012s as direct imports. The prices are fantastic but the quantities available are extremely limited and the wines will be sold on a first in first served basis. Don't delay!

    Other Reviews...
    Starting off the reds, and what certainly looks to be an outstanding effort, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is comprised of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. Fermented with 50% whole-cluster, it offers up complex, nuanced notes of spice, toast, mulled blackberry and raspberry to go with a medium-bodied, elegant and finely textured palate. Showing solid richness and depth, with superb balance, it’s should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Drink 2014-2024
    90-92 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue #209 Oct 2013

    • Nick's Import
    2015 Tardieu-Laurent Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Speciale
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $29. 99
    Bottle
    $359.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    With some of the vines at the edge of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this is a traditional style of Cotes du Rhone showing more finesse than is usual for the area. The wine is vinified in whole bunches, without de-stemming, aged for 12 months in 2 and 3 year old barrels with a further 6 months in large oak foudres. 100% Grenache.

    No reviews to date.

     

    • Nick's Import
    2012 Tardieu-Laurent Rasteau Vieilles Vignes
    Rasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $32. 99
    Bottle
    $395.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Maison Tardieu Laurent has developed a solid following here in Australia in recent years. Their 2007s have been stunning across the board. In 2008, they dodged the bullets, providing us with some of the finest wines in what was a difficult vintage for the Southern Rhone, then they came back ever so strongly with the stunning 2009 and 2010 vintages in both North and South. 2011 delivered fresh, aromatic wines that are drinking well already.

    In 2012 the wines across the board are a step above their 2011 counteparts, rich and fruit driven with good concentration. Likened to a lighter styled 2010 vintage, the wines are again vibrant and expressive, with dark fruit and medium to full-bodied richness. While they will be aproachable on release, the best will live for 15+ years.

    Given their remarkable quality and consistency, it's no surprise that globally, the wines of Tardieu Laurent are in bigger demand than ever. So much so that the Australian allocations have steadily been reduced in recent years. Quite simply, they're becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Consequently, we've got in early to secure a selection of the 2012s as direct imports. The prices are fantastic but the quantities available are extremely limited and the wines will be sold on a first in first served basis. Don't delay!

    Other Reviews...
    Comprised mostly of Grenache, with 20% of Syrah, the 2012 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a big, rich, full-bodied effort that gives up classic Rasteau aromas and flavors of dark berry fruit, mineral, leather, chocolate and dusty soil. There’s a fair kick of tannin here, so don’t be afraid to give it a year or two in the cellar. It should drink well for upward of a decade or more.
    91-93 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue #210 Dec 2013

    • 95
    • 90
    • Nick's Import
    2014 Tardieu-Laurent Cuvee Speciale Chateauneuf du Pape
    Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Opaque dark red black colour with a bright dark red hue. Aromas of black raspberries, subtle black cherries and liquorice emanate from the glass followed by hints of scorched earth and dried herbs. Medium to full bodied the palate is filled with luscious black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry flavours over infusions of incense, scorched earth and spice. Finishes with slightly grippy but perfectly balanced tannins. Excellent richness and power with a long spicy black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, incense and subtle scorched earth aftertaste.
    Cellar 5-6 years.
    Alc 14.5%

    Other Reviews….
    Winemaker Michel Tardieu makes a relatively modern style of wine that never lacks for fruit, texture or personality. The only special cuvée made (there’s no Vieilles Vignes), the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Speciale is a brilliant looking barrel sample that comes all from the sandy parts of the La Crau lieu-dit. Possessing noticeably more depth and richness than the classic cuvée, it has medium to full-bodied weight, ripe tannin and classic notes of black raspberry, fruitcake, pepper and incense. It too will drink nicely on release but evolve gracefully for 10-12 years.
    90-92 points
    Jeb Dennuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

    • 93
    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2015 Tardieu-Laurent Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes
    Vacquerays, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $44. 99
    Bottle
    $539.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews....
    Opaque ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe blue fruits, Asian spices and incense pick up a vibrant mineral flourish with air. Palate-staining, appealingly sweet boysenberry, cherry and spicecake flavors are complemented by an exotic floral pastille quality and a touch of spiciness. Rich but energetic as well, showing impressive finishing clarity and smooth, even tannins that sneak in slowly. Drink 2022 - 2030.
    93 points
    Josh Raynolds - Vinous (Nov 2018)

    Solid, with enmeshed notes of black licorice, fig paste and boysenberry preserves, lined with brambly grip and backed by a roasted apple wood accent on the finish. Best from 2019 through 2023. 550 cases made, 20 cases imported.
    92 points
    James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

    70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 25% Syrah (40 years old), 5% Mourvèdre (40 years old). Two-thirds whole bunch, aged in one-year-old barrels.
    Blackish ruby. Sweet and silky on the nose – most alluring already. Heady. Round with very gentle tannins that make their presence felt only on the very end, along with a hint of alcoholic warmth. This really does taste of Provençal sunshine; there could even be a hint of lavender along with the sautéed plums. Drink 2018 – 2026.
    17/20 points
    Jancis Robinson MW

    • Nick's Import
    2013 Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape
    Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Other reviews....
    Slightly closed aromatically, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape reluctantly gives up subtle blackberry and black raspberry-styled fruits, dried earth and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, ripe and supple feel on the palate. Possessing an uncommon level of richness and texture on the palate for the vintage, it has rock-solid density, superb tannin quality and a great finish. It should shine on release and evolve gracefully for up to a decade.
    89-92 points
    Jeb Dunnuck - eRobertParker.com #215 (Oct 2014)

    Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis and cherry are complicated by suggestions of cola, black pepper and violet; there's something vaguely northern Rhône going on here. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense dark fruit flavors sharpened by a spicy quality. Rich yet lively wine with strong finishing thrust and smooth tannins.
    90-92 points
    Josh Raynolds - vinous.com

    • 95
    • Nick's Import
    2014 Tardieu-Laurent Guy Louis Cotes du Rhone
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Cork

    Opaque dark purple core with black tinged edges and a bright crimson purple hue. Scented aromas of black raspberry and liquorice emanate from the glass followed by hints of incense, scorched earth and pepper. Rich succulent black raspberry and liquorice flavours fill the palate within a sturdy structural feel overlaying incense infusions and a touch of meatiness with a peppery finish. Solidly built but fine grained tannins. Excellent length with a long peppery aftertaste of black raspberries, liquorice, incense infusions and a faint meatiness.
    Cellar 5-6 years.
    Alc 14%

    • 94
    • Nick's Import
    2014 Tardieu-Laurent Vieilles Vignes Rasteau
    Rasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $34. 99
    Bottle
    $419.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Totally opaque black red colour with a dark purple black tinged hue. Scented aromas of black raspberries, black cherries and liquorice are overlaid by peppery dried meat characters with spicy incense end notes. Possessing a robust structure and inky tight knit feel there’s still an abundance of richness lurking beneath with peppered black raspberry and liquorice flavours overlaying spicy incense and scorched earth. Dry finish with grippy tannins imparting a sense of chalkiness to the mouthfeel. Medium to long spicy aftertaste of black raspberries, black cherries, liquorice, graphite and blackpepper.
    Cellar 5-6 years.
    Alc 14.5%

    • 91
    2017 The Palm By Whispering Angel Rose
    Provence, FRANCE
    $29. 99
    Bottle
    $359.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 1 - 2 Years (2019-2020)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Stelvin
    A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Translucent salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Fragrant white peach, strawberry and cherry aromas are followed by some musk, subtle rose petal notes and wet slate. Elegant and fresh with a rounded mid palate feel, flavours of peaches, cherries and raspberries sit over stony characters, traces of musk and spice. Finishes dry with vibrant acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 1-2 years.
    Alc. 12.5%
    • 87
    2017 Tiens Ca! Rose
    Languedoc, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Minimum 12 bottles
    Cellar: 1 - 1 Years (2019-2019)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Stelvin
    A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz. Pale salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Subtle aromas of raspberry and peaches are overlaid by stony earth like elements with hints of spicy musk also evident. Slippery mouthfeel with refreshing flavours of peaches, raspberries and wet stone. Finishes dry and spicy with crisp acidity and a moderate aftertaste.
    Drink now.
    Alc. 12.5%
    • 89
    2017 Tiens Ca! Rouge Shiraz Cabernet
    Languedoc, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Minimum 12 bottles
    Cellar: 1 - 2 Years (2019-2020)
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Stelvin
    Deep dark red colour with a red to brick red hue. Ripe red currant aromas intermix with earthy bay leaf likes notes, vanillin cedar and spicy fresh herbs. Light to medium weight with a soft fleshy feel the palate is flavoured with juicy red currants, mulberries, infusions of bay leaf and spicy earth. Fine grained tannins with good freshness on the savoury finish and an elegant medium length aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 1-2 years.
    Alc. 13.5%
    • 90
    2014 Triennes Rose
    Provence, FRANCE
    $22. 99
    Bottle
    $275.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2015)
    ABV: 13%
    Closure: Stelvin
    Translucent pale salmon pink colour with a watery hue. Delightful opening scents of raspberries and musk are followed by a hint of Turkish delight and spice. Texturally round and dry the palate features flavours of raspberries and cherries with a touch of musk also present finishing very dry and spicy. Aftertaste of spicy cherries, raspberries and musk.
    Drink now.
    Alc 13%
    • 92
    2018 Val de Loire Reserve des Vignerons Rose de Loire
    Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Minimum 12 bottles
    Cellar: Drink now (2020)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Stelvin
    Translucent rosy pink colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pomegranate and blood orange intermix with water melon, subtlety spiced musk and stony notes. Raspberry, blood orange and water melon flavours make a supple entry onto the palate overlaying citrus and subtle stony characters. Brisk dry finish with a medium length conclusion.
    Drink now.
    Alc. 12.5%
    • 94
    2018 Vignerons de L'Enclave La Resistance Cotes du Rhone
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Synthetic Cork
    A Grenache Syrah blend that’s certified organic. Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Wafting from the glass are intense black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry scents followed by scorched earth and hints of spicy leather. Amply weighted in the mouth, rich black cherry and black raspberry fruits are intermeshed with liquorice, scorched earth, dried herbs and blackpepper. Opulent feel with ripe chewy tannins and a long moreish black fruited aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc. 13.5%
    • 92
    2017 Villa Aix en Provence Rose
    Provence, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2018)
    ABV: 13%
    Closure: Cork
    Translucent pale salmon colour with a watery hue. The nose is scented with peach, raspberry and light musk aromatics followed by some stony notes. Very supple and round in the mouth, flavours of peach, raspberry, water melon and wet stone slide across the palate. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and an aftertaste of peach, raspberry, water melon, subtle musk and stony characters.
    Drink now.
    Alc. 13%
    • 93
    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2015 Yves Cheron Les Dentelles Cotes du Rhone
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    The Cheron family origins lie in Burgundy but early in the 1960’s Denis Cheron saw the untapped potential of some of Rhone’s lesser known appellations and purchased a production facility in Vacqueyras. Denis’s son Yves is in now charge of the operation and has expanded the family’s holdings in Rhone, typically producing pure, elegantly structured Grenache based reds.

    A delightful Cotes du Rhone that captures the essence of the excellent 2015 vintage.

    Totally opaque black dark red core with a youthful dark red hue. Nosing evokes fragrant aromatics of inky black raspberries, dark cherries, hints of liquorice, earthy incense characters and dried herb end notes. Light on its feet yet with excellent length and power, as well as a feeling of freshness, the medium bodied palate dishes up delicious flavours of spicy crushed dark raspberries and dark cherries over a touch of liquorice, inky earth like nuances, infusions of incense and pepper. Bright finish with slightly dry and chewy, but balanced tannins. Aftertaste of spicy dark raspberries, cherries, shades of liquorice, inky earth, dried herbs, incense infusions and pepper.
    Cellar 3-4 years.
    Alc. 13.5%

    Other Reviews…
    I was blown away by the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Yves Cheron les Dentelles. Made from 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged all in cement, it’s a big, rich, full-bodied beauty that’s loaded with notions of kirsch, blackberries, toasted spices and white pepper. Deep, rich, concentrated and impeccably balanced, it’s the real deal.
    92 points
    Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

    • 95
    • Nick's Import
    2016 Yves Cheron Les Dentelles Cotes du Rhone
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Cork

    The Cheron family origins lie in Burgundy but early in the 1960’s Denis Cheron saw the untapped potential of some of Rhone’s lesser known appellations and purchased a production facility in Vacqueyras. Denis’s son Yves is in now charge of the operation and has expanded the family’s holdings in Rhone, typically producing pure, elegantly structured Grenache based reds.

    An irresistible Cotes du Rhone from the Spectacular 2016 vintage.

    Deep dark red black tinged colour with a bright dark red hue. Alluring aromatics of ripe dark to black cherries and liquorice laced with incense and provincial herb notes show excellent lift. Hints of earth and pepper finish things off. Medium bodied, there’s a juicy feel to the rich black cherry, dark raspberry and liquorice fruit. Elements of earthy incense, herb infusions and spicy pepper then chime in on the back palate. Balanced fresh acidity and ripe, slightly chewy tannins provide some structural attributes. Excellent length and power. Concludes with a long delicious dark fruit, liquorice, incense, earthy dried herb and spicy pepper aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 4-5 years.
    Alc. 14%

Grenache: the workhorse of the Southern Rhone.

While Grenache has lost favour to Shiraz in Australia, in the Southern Rhone, Shiraz plays second fiddle. Here Grenache remains the basis for beautifully balanced, frequently exuberant reds with a strong Mediterranean influence. Apart from Grenache, twenty two other varieties are permitted throughout the entire Rhone Appellation, though generally no more than ten are employed in blends.

Rhone wine labels and the appellation system.

As in other French wine regions, the Rhone's Appellations d'Origine Controlees (AOCs) rely on sets of rules based around the concept of 'terroir' (the interaction of soil and climate on wine quality) as well as specific local and historic practises. Essentially, the whole system is organised as a pyramid. The further you climb towards the summit, the more restrictive the criteria for production, the more prestigious the terroir and the better the wines should be.

The 'Cotes du Rhone' AOC is the base of the pyramid. The second level is the 'Cotes du Rhone Villages' AOC which follows slightly different rules. Out of ninety 'communes' allowed to produce Cotes Du Rhone Villages, eighteen of them are allowed to step up the hierarchy ladder with the mention of the village name on their labels (e.g. 'Rasteau', 'Vacquerays' etc.), provided they respect the more restrictive yields as well as other analytical requirements at harvest. Finally, at the top of the pyramid, we find the local appellations, for which the term 'Crus' is the norm. Here yields generally cannot exceed 35Hls/Ha and strict conditions for cultivation apply. Chateauneuf Du Pape is one such Cru.

Buy Chateauneuf du Pape online.

Chateauneuf du Pape forms the apex of the Southern Rhone's appellation pyramid. The extraordinary and long-standing reputation of its wines is such that in the 14th century, the Papacy in Avignon favoured the village as their summer residence, expanding the vineyards to suitable surrounding areas. To this day, each bottle of Chateauneuf bears the coat-of-arms of the city of Avignon, with its two crossed keys, those of Saint Peter, the first Pope. Seven Popes later, the rigour established in those times has survived the centuries. In fact, Chateauneuf became the working model for France's earliest appellation laws. Under the rules, 13 different varieties are permitted, though Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault dominate over Counoise, Clairette and Bourboulenc.

We continue to import wines from the Southern Rhone, handpicking from the the very best vintages and tasting and rating most of our selections to further guide you in your choice. When you buy Rhone wines online, you can have them shipped to most of Australia.