{"title":"Rhone Valley Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rhone Valley runs along the Rhone river in southeastern France and splits into two distinct halves, each with its own character. The steep northern slopes are built almost entirely around Syrah, producing structured, peppery reds with real ageing potential, while the warmer south favours blends built around Grenache, often alongside Syrah and Mourvedre, for softer, more generous wines. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cotes-du-rhone\"\u003eCotes du Rhone\u003c\/a\u003e remains the region's best-known appellation and a reliable entry point into the style, covering both ends of the valley under one designation. If Syrah on its own is what you're after, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/syrah\"\u003eSyrah\u003c\/a\u003e covers examples from beyond the Rhone too, including New Zealand's cooler-climate take. For the wider French range, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/french-wine\"\u003eFrench Wine\u003c\/a\u003e covers everything else on offer.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"locations-french-red","title":"Locations French Red","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocations French Red\u003c\/strong\u003e is a generous, fruit-forward blend that brings together grapes from the Rhône, Roussillon and Bordeaux. Red raspberry and wild strawberry lead into cranberry, cherry and rhubarb compote, giving the wine a lively balance of ripe fruit and freshness. Grenache and Syrah provide warmth and spice, while assorted Bordeaux varieties add structure and depth. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with bright acidity, chewy tannins and enough richness to suit hearty food without feeling heavy. Made by Dave Phinney and matured in barrel for 10 months, it is an easy match for slow-cooked beef, grilled lamb or smoky charcuterie.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe non-vintage blend combines Grenache, Syrah and assorted Bordeaux varieties sourced from growers across the Rhône, Roussillon and Bordeaux. Locations selects fruit from established old-vine blocks in several French sub-appellations, aiming to bring the character of these different regions together in one wine. The winery describes red raspberry and wild strawberry aromas followed by cranberry, cherry and rhubarb compote. Bright acidity, a smooth texture and chewy tannins shape the palate. The wine is matured in barrel for 10 months before release and contains 15% alcohol.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hancocks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182010458479,"sku":"100097","price":209.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/LocationsFrenchRed.jpg?v=1785013644"},{"product_id":"dauphins-cotes-du-rhone-rouge","title":"Dauphins Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLes Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rouge\u003c\/strong\u003e is a generous, easygoing southern Rhône red made by the Cellier des Dauphins cooperative. Grenache and Syrah lead a classic regional blend completed by Carignan and Mourvèdre, combining ripe fruit, warming spice and a smooth, rounded structure. Medium bodied and immediately approachable, it offers plenty of character without becoming overly heavy or demanding. A dependable choice for relaxed dinners, barbecues or cooler evenings, it pairs naturally with roast chicken, grilled lamb, beef stew, sausages and rustic Mediterranean dishes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2024 vintage offers classic Côtes du Rhône character, with ripe black fruit, Mediterranean aromas and layers of spice. The palate is supple and balanced, with smooth tannins carrying the generous fruit through a clean, lively finish. Made from Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre grown on chalky-clay slopes between 150 and 400 metres above sea level, the wine reflects the warmth and aromatic character of the southern Rhône.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182011703663,"sku":"100131","price":113.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/DauphinsCotesduRhoneRouge.jpg?v=1785120916"},{"product_id":"leon-perdigal-cotes-du-rhone-rouge","title":"Leon Perdigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLéon Perdigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge\u003c\/strong\u003e is a generous southern Rhône red named after the first cellar master at Ogier's historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape cellars. A traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre gives it ripe fruit, savoury spice and enough structure for the dinner table, while its rounded texture keeps it immediately approachable. Medium to full bodied and warmly expressive, it is a dependable choice for barbecues, relaxed dinners and cooler evenings. Pair it with grilled lamb, roast beef, sausages, Mediterranean dishes or mature cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2024 vintage is deep ruby red with dark reflections. Aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and plum are complemented by black pepper, spice and subtle wild-herb notes. The palate is full and harmonious, with generous fruit, balanced acidity and ripe tannins leading into a warm, gently spiced finish. Léon Perdigal was Ogier's first cellar master after the house was founded in 1859, earning the nickname \"Pope of the Keys\" because he always kept the cellar keys with him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182011769199,"sku":"100133","price":137.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/LeonPerdigalCotesduRhoneRouge.jpg?v=1785121172"},{"product_id":"lafond-cotes-du-rhone","title":"Lafond Cotes du Rhone 23\/24","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDomaine Lafond Roc-Épine Côtes du Rhône\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vibrant, organically grown southern Rhône red from a family estate with roots in the region dating back to 1780. Grenache provides warmth, ripe fruit and an inviting roundness, while Syrah adds darker flavour, peppery spice and structure. Fermentation and maturation entirely in stainless steel keep the wine fresh and fruit driven, without the weight or sweetness of oak. Medium bodied and immediately approachable, it is a versatile choice for barbecued meats, roast chicken, sausages, pasta and rustic Mediterranean dishes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, grown in certified-organic vineyards between Tavel and Lirac. Ripe cherry, blackcurrant and darker fruit aromas are joined by peppery herbs, earth and undergrowth. The palate is soft, rounded and concentrated, with charming fruit and balanced structure. The grapes are destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeast, then matured entirely in stainless steel. The vineyards include rocky clay and limestone soils, along with sandy ground scattered with Rhône river pebbles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182011801967,"sku":"100134","price":149.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/LafondCotesduRhone.jpg?v=1785123509"},{"product_id":"vieux-lazaret-chateauneuf-du-pape","title":"Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape 22\/23","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDomaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape\u003c\/strong\u003e is a supple, full-bodied southern Rhône red from one of the appellation's largest and most historic estates, established in 1748. Its traditional blend of eight varieties draws character from vineyards spread across Châteauneuf-du-Pape's three principal soil types, bringing together generous fruit, warming spice and polished tannins. Rich and expressive without feeling overly heavy, the 2023 vintage is approachable now but has the structure to develop further in the cellar. Pair it with grilled lamb, slow-cooked beef, mushroom dishes or mature cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep carmine in colour, with ripe black-fruit aromas developing into layers of spice. The palate is smooth, persistent and broad, with notes of prune, liquorice and black pepper emerging as the wine evolves. The grapes were completely destemmed and fermented in concrete vats with twice-daily pumping over and two to three weeks of skin contact. Maturation lasted 18 months, primarily in vats with 15% aged in barrels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast, 92\/100 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"A deep nose of blackberry, strawberry, cassis, and abundant rose aromas greets the senses, highlighting pronounced red fruit intensity.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling, 90\/100 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"A textured, generous and dense red with sweet cherries, red berries and sweet spices on the nose.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182011834735,"sku":"100135","price":389.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/VieuxLazaretChateauneufduPape.jpg?v=1785123841"},{"product_id":"chapoutier-luberon-la-ciboise-red-blend","title":"Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Red Blend 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Red Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e brings together Grenache Noir and Syrah in a fresh, polished southern Rhône red. Blackberry and blackcurrant lead the way, joined by liquorice, silky tannins and a clean, elegant finish. The fruit comes from elevated vineyards within the Luberon Regional Nature Park, where cool mountain influences help preserve brightness and definition. Named after Michel Chapoutier's grandfather's home, La Ciboise is an approachable introduction to the producer's style. Pour it with sautéed veal, beef ribs, pizza or a slow-cooked casserole.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe vines grow at around 350 metres on sandy-clay soils in the Luberon. Ripe grapes are machine harvested with care to protect the berries, then traditionally vinified in concrete tanks. Temperature-controlled fermentation preserves the fresh fruit character, with regular short pump-overs and approximately three weeks of maceration. The wine matures for six months in concrete vats. It shows a garnet colour, complex blackberry and blackcurrant aromas, a fruity palate with liquorice notes, silky tannins and lively freshness. Serve at 16-18°C, with cellaring potential of three to five years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182032150895,"sku":"100735","price":119.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ChapoutierLuberonLaCiboiseRedBlend2024.jpg?v=1783707850"},{"product_id":"delas-cotes-du-rhone-rouge-saint-esprit","title":"Delas Cotes du Rhone Rouge Saint-Esprit 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelas Cotes du Rhone Rouge Saint-Esprit\u003c\/strong\u003e is a generous, Syrah-led Rhône red filled with blackberry, plum, violet, liquorice and warm spice. Grenache adds ripe fruit and roundness, while the granite-grown Syrah brings savoury detail, freshness and fine tannin. Delas has made wine in the Rhône since 1835, and Saint-Esprit offers an approachable taste of the house style without demanding years in the cellar. Smooth, flavour-packed and ready for the table, it is a fine match for lamb chops, barbecued sausages, grilled vegetables or a hearty tomato-based dish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 2023 is approximately 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, sourced from a small village in the Ardèche where the vines grow on steep, south-facing granite hillsides. The grapes are destemmed, then fermented and macerated in closed vats for around 15 days with daily pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by eight months of maturation in vat to preserve the fruit aromas. Delas describes a deep plum colour, classic Syrah notes of berries, violet and liquorice, and a full, rounded palate with delicate tannins.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93 Points and 5 Stars (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Generously fruited with complexity, the wine shows blackberry, star anise, clove, smoked meat, and toasted almond characters on the nose. The palate displays good weight and silky texture, splendidly supported by layers of fine tannins, finishing harmonious and delectable. At its best: now to 2031.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCameron Douglas MS, 93 Points, Excellent (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Classic, fruity, dry, textured and delicious. A wine with core flavours of spiced and fresh plums, an earthy soil qualities and textured from tannin and leesy flinty seams. Medium+ weighted with some sweetness from the use of oak, an abundance of tannins, fine with lots of polish, then crunch and freshness from the acid line. A fruity red berry and plum core, textures and lots of mouthfeel with a balanced, even finish. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2029.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Muddled black plum, apricot skin and boysenberry aromas frolic on the nose accented by hibiscus and violet blossom. Prominent black fruit on the palate leans against red raspberry on the finish that slightly-grippy tannins enhance. Pair with a bacon cheeseburger, lamb chop and roasted eggplant.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182032314735,"sku":"100740","price":149.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/DelasCotesduRhoneRougeSaint-Esprit2023.jpg?v=1783704570"}],"url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/collections\/rhone-valley-wine.oembed","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}