Rhône 2016 – northern reds

After g(re)nashing my teeth for a week in the southern Rhône, it was a relief to drive north into Syrah country. The ripeness of the 2016 vintage was sometimes ovewhelming in southern reds, but how did it affect the typically less weighty wines of the north? 

Another week of tasting in situ revealed that quality is equally high. Many other observers are declaring southern reds superior, but I didn't find this to be the...