Winemaker Notes
Aromatic nose, with notes of violet flower, licorice, spices and fresh blackberry. The palate has a fresh and velvety texture, very balanced and very subtle, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry and violet flower, with a long and slightly peperry finish
Blend: 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Exotic, smoky nose of black olive and earthy redcurrant, then on to a plush palate graced with blackberry, clove, spice and a silky acidity.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Impressive as a prospective blend taken from equal proportions of barriques, demi-muids and tanks, the 2018 Ventoux Artemia boasts exuberant notes of cherries and blueberries accented by assertive notes of cracked pepper. It's full-bodied, creamy and lush, then firms up just enough on the finish to think it will have a decade of longevity. Rating: (92-94)
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Wine Enthusiast
This biodynamically farmed, single-vineyard blend of Syrah (75%) and Grenache (25%) offsets rich, spicy flavors of plum pudding and black figs against veins of crushed earth, granite and ore. It's a vibrant yet svelte red, supple in mouthfeel and tannins. Ready now, the wine should improve through 2028 and hold further.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 75% Syrah and 15% Grenache, the 2018 Ventoux Artemia was brought up in all in wood, 40% being new. This cuvée is mostly not destemmed and always seems to be the more Northern Rhône in the lineup. A Hermitage-like bouquet of smoked black fruits, smoked meat, violets, ground pepper, and bacon fat gives way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless red that has ample fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s certainly an outstanding wine and I suspect will keep nicely for 10-12 years.
Rating: 91-93
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.