Rhône 2021 – an overview of the north

Stéphane Ogier entrance Ampuis

Now an overview of this complicated vintage in the north. We'll eventually have provided 900+ tasting notes – essential guidance in such a challenging year. See this guide to our comprehensive coverage. Above, Côte Rôtie vines beside Stéphane Ogier's premises in Ampuis.

When I asked Jean-Louis Chave to briefly sum up the 2021 vintage, his answer was distinctly and unexpectedly brief: 'Rain'. He did embellish when pushed, citing one other significant event – yes, you’ve guessed it, frost. Rain and frost really were the defining features and subsequently the biggest challenges that vignerons in the northern Rhône faced during this...