Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2020 Vinsobres Guerin comes from lower down on the hillside and more pebbly soils. It has lots of meaty red and black fruits as well as exotic notes of ground pepper, orange blossom, and licorice. This full-bodied, ripe, opulent beauty is going to evolve nicely through 2032.
-
Wine Spectator
A beefy, iron-rich style, with red currant and brambly berry laced with muscular tannins that are just beginning to unfurl. Savory, with black pepper, warm lentil, cumin and earthy leafiness, plus pretty violet high tones. It will be interesting to see how this evolves in the cellar. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2025 through 2035. 630 cases made, 315 cases imported.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This wine greets with plums and violets, complemented by a hint of meatiness and thyme on the nose. On the palate, discover notes of cassis, black olive and thyme stems, leading to a black tea leaf finish. Balanced acidity and sandy-like tannins complete the sip.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
One of the more established Rhône villages promoted to its own 'Côtes du Rhône Villages' appellation, Vinsobres produces uniquely styled Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah in its relatively cool and elevated vineyards.