Rhône 2015 – Châteauneuf Tradition bottlings

They’re very happy about 2015 reds in Châteauneuf, but even prouder of their 2016s. I heard 2015 likened to the particularly ripe 2009 or 2005 vintages while 2016, with its excellent pH levels, is said to be more like the fresher, more structured 2010. 

They’re particularly happy about the more generous yields of 2015, especially after the tiny yields of 2014 and 2013. ‘The last vintage that was generous in quantity was 2007', observed Mr Gloom, Paul-Vincent Avril of Clos des Papes, one of the few producers to eschew the...