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First 2008 CNDPs released

By November 27, 2009Critic Reviews

As the final part of our recent focus on the southern Rhone (see here and here), we will take a brief look at the 2008 vintage. 

This (somewhat wet) year has been greeted with only limited enthusiasm by the critics. Jancis Robinson MW, states: “Overall the general characteristic of the 2008s in both northern and southern Rhône is that they are decidedly muted – especially after the super-concentrated 2007s.”
Although as Robert Parker maintains: “As in every challenging vintage, there are some outstanding efforts”. 

The first two major red wines from the vintage were released earlier this week – Clos Papes CNDP and Beaucastel CNDP.

Both wines are among the most popular of all the wines produced in the southern Rhone and have been released at the same price, approximately £400 per 12x7cl case. 

As you can see from the table below, Parker thinks highly of the 2008 Beaucastel (“one of the candidates for wine of the vintage”) whereas Robinson is blown away by Clos Papes ("'Gorgeous’ was my most frequently used adjective but others were: balanced, seductive, sweet… revitalising, reverberant, and structured”). 

Both wines have their attractions and appear fairly priced – the Clos Papes in particular looks good value when compared to other recent vintages. But with so much great wine having been produced in the region in recent years and the early reports on the 2009s extremely positive, will they find a market? 

Clos Papes 2008
 

Beau2008
 *GBP/12x75cl case in bond – Merchant list prices

Those interested in purchasing these wines can find them at  Farr VintnersSeckford Wines and Bibendum Wine, among others.