Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with stuffed poultry, wild boar stew, and soft cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A vintage the estate is excited about as they loved the quality of the Syrah (don't forget that Ventoux is quite a ways from the Rhone Valley and have their own climate), the 2014 Ventoux la Quintessence is 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache aged in a combination of new, once and twice used barrels. Medium-bodied, pure and elegant, with lots of pepper, flowers, cassis and a touch of vanilla aromas and flavors, it needs a touch more polish to its tannin, but it's a beautiful Syrah that will keep for a decade.
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.