Rhône Classics

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mouverdre – you might be producing wines from these varietals in the Rhône, you might be making them in South Africa, Australia, Chile or Argentina. Whether single varietal or classic blends this category will search out the top wines reflecting this popular and essential wine list category.

If you are passionate about making the most of these wonderfully complex varietals this is the category for your wines. Red wines inspired by the classic Rhône grapes, the sommeliers will be looking for style, finesse and wines that can work well on a restaurant list.

Results

August, 2025

Product Name	Score	Producer	Country	Vintage
Old Vine Carignan	91	Chateau Ksara	Lebanon	2022
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Bekka Valley Judges’ Tasting Notes: Château Ksara's Carignan married 'supple ripe black fruit flavours, cassis and jam' with 'firm, dry tannins and good acidity' resulting in a profile which 'could benefit from ageing.' Others noted its 'crunchy and fresh cherry, redcurrant and herbal notes' and 'opulent, garrigue flavours'.
Jaraman Shiraz	93	Wakefield Wines	Australia	2021
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Clare Valley 54% / McLaren Vale 46% Judges’ Tasting Notes: Sourced from Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, the 2021 Jaraman Shiraz by Wakefield Wines scooped Best By The Glass. ‘Nose is clean and endearing with a lot of spices and fruit.’ Another said, ‘really expresses the varietal. Soft, long, deep.’ The wine was also praised for its resemblance to 'sour black cherries, spicy notes and hint of smoke.’ The most resounding verdict was 'best among the red tasted today.’ Champion Award: By the Glass
Inurrieta Puro Vicio Syrah	92	Bodega Inurrieta		2022
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Navarra Subregion: Ribera Alta Judges’ Tasting Notes: Puro Vicio is a Syrah from Navarra, drawn from steep, demanding slopes. Aged for 15 months in new American oak, judges called it ‘direct, straightforward’ with ‘a velvety texture’, a ‘soft supple palate’, and ‘lovely complex stewed prunes and pepper spice’. One noted its ‘blueberry, blackcurrant' notes and 'long finish’. Yet the most telling verdict came from a judge who found it ‘a bit overworked and obvious, but certainly has ambition’.
Cinsault - The Soothsayer's Ferment	92	Garage Wine Company	Chile	2019
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Maule Valley Judges’ Tasting Notes: The judges were captivated by the complexity of The Garage Wine Co. Cinsault Single Ferment Series Soothsayer's Ferment, calling it 'radiant with red fruits, with one noting 'earthy, mushrooms on the nose and a strong umami on the palate - it's certainly one that will shine with a good dish paired with it rather than on its own'. Another praised its 'very good level of level of tannins [and] great balance'. One judge found this wine particularly 'smart' in its execution.
Merum Priorati Inici 2022	91	Merum Priorati	Spain	2022
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Catalunya Subregion: Priorat DOQ Judges’ Tasting Notes: Merum Priorati’s INICI 2022 draws together Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Judges noted a nose 'like a mulled wine', then stewed fruits and aggressive tannins,’ while others found it ‘warm and spicy’ with ‘soft and round tannins.’ Praise was given for its drinkability and structure: ‘Attractive nose, supple promise which leads nicely onto the palate with soft plum and blackfruit… coffee bean balanced by sweet fruit which lingers.’ One taster highlighted its depth and finesse: ‘Dark, black cherry and black plum aromatics. Polished tannins and integrated high level of alcohol. Persistent and very good in quality.’
Le Prieuré	88	Chateau Ksara	Lebanon	2023
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Bekka Valley Judges’ Tasting Notes: Le Prieuré is a heritage red blend from Château Ksara that harks back to the founding Jesuits, made from Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Caladoc. Judges praised it as a 'reliably good red Rhone-style wine, with a touch of spice and red fruit forward nose' which is 'smooth, earthy and easy drinking', while others noted its 'quite balsamic, grippy tannins, green bell pepper and capsicum' alongside the mentioned 'cranberry, vegetable' characteristics.
Inurrieta Mimao Garnacha tinta	87	Bodega Inurrieta	Spain	2023
Purchase	Rhône Classics Region: Navarra Subregion: Ribera Alta Judges’ Tasting Notes: The Mimao Garnacha Tinta 2023 from Bodega Inurrieta was praised for its accessibility and ripe fruit character, being ‘fresh and fruity [with a] sweet vanilla finish’, while another noted ‘plum jam and figs on the nose’, then ‘stalky tannins with good length’. Others described ‘confected and sweet fruit notes’ and ‘yoghurty mouthfeel’, a ‘high level of tannins [and] medium plus body’. Despite its vibrant profile, it stopped short of being nominated for any category awards.
1927 Vines Marsanne	90	Tahbilk	Australia	2016
	Rhône Classics Region: Victoria Subregion: Nagambie Lakes Judges’ Tasting Notes: From some of the oldest Marsanne vines on earth, Tahbilk’s ‘1927 Vines’ 2016 is a wine with ‘vibrancy, precision and originality’ and ‘layers of flavour that unfold like a slow fan’. It was also praised as ‘incredible value’ with a ‘finish that just won’t quit’ - and found by one to be ‘jelly-like’, though not negatively so.

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Entry Deadline: 31 October, 2025

Results Due: December, 2025

Entry Price: £149

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