Into The Groove

In France’s Rhône Valley, resilient old vines and canny vintners propel success in a string of hot, dry years

Jean-Michel Gerin in the cellar with sons Alexis and Michael drinking nwine
Jean-Michel Gerin (left) works with his sons Alexis and Michael to make some of the Northern Rhône’s top reds at their domaine in Côte-Rôtie. (Alison Bounce)

Hot and dry growing seasons have become the norm in the Rhône, but vintners produced great 2019 red wines from both the North and the South, bolstered by resilient old-vine vineyards. Get Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth’s full report from the Jan. 31–Feb. 28, 2022, issue, plus more than 175 top red and white wines and top values from across the region.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Play It Cool

Play It Cool

The global trend toward cooler-climate wines is yielding an array of outstanding buys

Nov 15, 2025
Different Shades of White Burgundy

Different Shades of White Burgundy

The 2022 vintage is classic, with elite wines joined by more affordable versions from …

Nov 15, 2025
Trading Up on New Zealand

Trading Up on New Zealand

Distinctive wines and producers’ green mindset fuel consumer appeal for the top bottlings

Nov 15, 2025
Gigondas Blanc: Exciting and New

Gigondas Blanc: Exciting and New

Get to know these Clairette-based white wines from the Southern Rhône

Nov 15, 2025
8 Exuberant California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points

8 Exuberant California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points

New reviews of Golden State whites, including wines from Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and more, …

Oct 6, 2025
Napa Cabernet 2015: 10 Years After

Napa Cabernet 2015: 10 Years After

While shy of a classic rating, the vintage offers plenty of solid Cabernets still packed …

Nov 15, 2025