Matt Walls

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Decanter's Rhône coresspondent, and DWWA Regional Chair for the Rhône.

Matt Walls is an award-winning freelance wine writer and consultant, contributing regular articles to various print and online titles including Decanter, where he is a contributing editor. He has particular interest in the Rhône Valley; he is chair of the Rhône panel at the Decanter World Wine Awards and is the owner of travel and events company www.rhoneroots.com.

He writes about all areas of wine, but specialises in the Rhône.

Matt's latest book, The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide to the Rhône Valley, was published in September 2025.

Crozes-Hermitage 2019: Report and top scoring wines

Matt Walls discovered a number of excellent Crozes-Hermitage wines among the samples tasted for the 2019 vintage report, alongside some that had high alcohol and overripe flavours, with white styles the surprise of the vintage.

Hermitage 2019: Report and top scoring wines

While there are some Hermitage wines that did not make the grade in 2019, Matt Walls says the best are statuesque and thunderous that will live for decades.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Rhône 2019 En Primeur: Full report

After tasting more than 1,300 wines for this year's Rhône vintage report, Matt Walls says 2019 is a powerful, ripe vintage showcasing a step-up in quality from 2018 with areas of localised greatness in both the north and south.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Saint-Péray 2019: Report and top scoring wines

Only a couple of Saint-Péray wines were worthy of recommendation from the 2019 vintage with Matt Walls finding too many lacking acidity and freshness.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019: Report and top scoring wines

Matt Walls found the 2019 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to be exceptional in its own way, combining elegance with power, and excelling over neighbouring appellations.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Lirac & Tavel 2019: Report and top scoring wines

There was surprise at the quality of Lirac and Tavel wines in 2019 given the hot vintage conditions with Matt Walls finding some very good whites and rosés.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Gigondas, Vacqueyras & Beaumes de Venise 2019: Report and top scoring wines

Matt Walls found the best wines from these appellations showed structure, freshness and vibrancy to match the weight of the hot 2019 vintage although there are some that are overly tannic and clunky.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23

Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2019: Report and top scoring wines

Matt Walls found mixed results when tasting the 2019 wines but says there are consistent, fresh and expressive whites to be found in Cairanne and balanced reds in Vinsobres.

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Northern Rhône 2019 report plus top scoring wines

There are many that are enjoyable, rich and opulent wines...

By Matt Walls Last updated 9 June 23
Rhône 2021 en primeur: full vintage report and top-scoring wines

Matt Walls provides his expert analysis on this tough vintage...

By Matt Walls Last updated 8 June 23
Walls’ hidden gems: Vignobles Chirat, Condrieu

A new generation takes over...

By Matt Walls Published 23 May 23
Walls: 30 premium Côtes du Rhône wines to try

Top-tier Côtes du Rhône wines...

By Matt Walls Published 25 April 23
Walls: Tasting Château de Montfaucon – ‘Lirac’s finest wines’

Fantastic verticals of a red and white wine worth seeking out...

By Matt Walls Published 11 April 23

Walls’ hidden gems: Domaine d’Abrigeon, Buisson

A new name worth having on your radar...

By Matt Walls Published 28 March 23
Clairette around the world: 53 shining examples

Dry whites that impress Matt Walls...

By Matt Walls Last updated 22 March 23
Walls: tasting Domaine Burgaud’s Côte-Rôtie 1988-2008

What determines how long a wine will age?

By Matt Walls Published 14 March 23
Walls: Cave de Cairanne, back from the brink

A cooperative success story...

By Matt Walls Last updated 28 February 23
Exploring the Southern Rhône with Matt Walls

Would a peaceful village like Gigondas be your idea of heaven? Or a lively melting pot like Avignon?

By Matt Walls Last updated 23 February 23
Exploring the Northern Rhône with Matt Walls

Where to eat and drink, and the wineries to visit.

By Matt Walls Last updated 23 February 23

Walls’ hidden gems: Domaine Garon, Côte-Rôtie

A name and wines to know...

By Matt Walls Last updated 16 February 23
Rhône vintages: four to lay down and four to drink now

The best to drink up and those to keep cellared...

By Matt Walls Published 24 January 23
Rhône trends to look out for in 2023

Three predictions on grapes, style and farming...

By Matt Walls Last updated 10 January 23
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021: report and top-scoring wines

Matt Walls selects the best wines from this appellation in 2021...

By Matt Walls Last updated 6 January 23
Matt Walls: my top wines of 2022

Find out which wines really rocked his world this year...

By Matt Walls Published 20 December 22
Mature Rhône from the cellar for Christmas

Matt Walls picks out some special bottles...

By Matt Walls Last updated 19 December 22

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