Elite Rhone Rockstars

Have you heard of Dauvergne & Ranvier? No? Well, let me introduce you to the Rhone’s most dynamic duo, because their wines are well worth giving a listen. A winemaker and viticulturist, this team learnt their art by working in some of France’s most famous regions, and have now branched out alone to develop their own sound. 

They draw their inspiration from many of the Rhone’s best growers, who grant them access to the sweetest sites, to craft expressive and complex vinos. You know, the kinda wines that have Tim Atkin and Matt Walls, two of UK’s most influential critics, putting them at the top of their ‘Top Ten Producers to Watch’ list. 

While this collection is a compilation of wines from different times and places in the region, they all reflect the authenticity and integrity that Dauvergne & Ranvier are known for. The hardest part? Deciding which one of these bonafide hits you’ll open first.

Each case includes a bottle of each of the following:

Dauvergne & Ranvier ‘Du Soleil a la Terre’ Châteauneuf du Pape 2012

96pts The Wine Magazine, $82 RRP 

Deep in colour, the nose is a smouldering medley of dark red fruits, spice, cloves and earthy aromas. The palate is generous and powerful, with firm tannins providing the structure for a long and happy life.

Dauvergne & Ranvier ‘Rare’ Hermitage 2010

96pts Guide France 2014, 93pts Wine Spectator, $155 RRP

We have it on good recommendation from the lads that this deep, rich and generous vino must be served with a prime rib roast. We’re off to the butcher, see you there.

Dauvergne & Ranvier ‘Villages Grand Vin’ Côtes du Rhône 2014

94pts France Wine Review, $39 RRP

“The gaze is arrested by the depth of the robe of a red so dark that it appears black. The nose begins to is open. We are surprised to note aromas of tapenade, rockrose, rosemary, bark and wood smoke.” - Dauvergne & Ranvier (thanks Google translate). 

Dauvergne & Ranvier Lirac 2013

96pts Selections Parcellaires, $103 RRP

‘Lirac Rouge’, sounds like a fragrance that should be on Chanel’s shelves. It’s not, but this vino is just as alluring.

Dauvergne & Ranvier ‘Vin Rare’ Gigondas 2013

93pts Tim Atkin, 93pts Wine Advocate, $103 RRP

It smells of rosemary, pine, thyme, red berries and subtle woody notes. Sounds good, right? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Bottoms up, mofo.

Dauvergne & Ranvier ‘Face Sud’ Côte-Rôtie 2012

98pts Le Magazin du Vin, 96pts Wine Spectator Magazine, 18.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW, $185 RRP

It’s hard not to be impressed by this vino. A sensory overload, this is going to blow you away with its graphite, lavender, blueberry and chocolate nose, and its rippling tannins and powerful palate.