2020 Rhône – red Châteauneuf-du-Pape and southern overview

James Lawther masked at Chateauneuf du Pape

We begin James's six-part report on the 2020 vintage in the Rhône with an overview of the south and this survey of the valley's most prolific red. James is seen above preparing to taste at the Maison des Vignerons in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. See this guide to our coverage of 2020 Rhône.

Following in the footsteps of 2018 and 2019, 2020 was yet another hot, dry year in the southern Rhône. The vintage is again sound but the style is a little different. The reds are supple and elegant and, although not as rich and powerful as the 2019s and with...