2024 Côtes Du Rhône: The Best Wines To Savor Now

This might just change your routine: 2024 Côtes du Rhône wines are delivering a rare blend of freshness and depth. While the appellation is often dismissed as a “starter” for wine drinkers, the 2024 vintage proves otherwise. This year’s conditions—warmer than average but with timely rain—created wines that balance ripe fruit with vibrant acidity. Unlike higher-tier crus, where terroir dominates, the 2024 vintage’s impact is magnified here, making it a masterclass in how climate shapes character.

The 2024 vintage’s warmth and rain delivered a paradox: wines that feel both lush and lifted. In the northern Rhône, growers like Domaine Xavier Vignon in Crozes-Hermitage crafted wines with red fruit intensity and a saline edge, while southern producers like Château de la Gardie in Châteauneuf-du-Pape leaned into dark cherry and spice, with a surprising lift of citrus. These aren’t just good wines—they’re benchmarks for how Côtes du Rhône can rival the complexity of its more prestigious neighbors.

What makes 2024 stand out is its accessibility. These wines are meant to be drunk young, offering immediate pleasure without needing decanting. Look for bottles with a touch of Mourvèdre or Syrah, which add structure and earthiness. The best examples are those that feel alive—bright, focused, and unburdened by oak. This is a year where the appellation’s diversity shines, with everything from floral Grenache to smoky Cinsault finding their place.

Key points: 2024’s warmth and rain created balanced, fruit-forward wines that feel both lush and lifted. Seek out bottles with a touch of Mourvèdre or Syrah for added depth. These wines are best enjoyed young, offering immediate pleasure without needing decanting.