Winemaker Notes
Intense bouquet of small wild fruits, crushed strawberries and blueberries. In the mouth, it is well structured, with an explosion of fruity flavors and hints of licorice. A beautiful representation of the terroir exhibiting purity and freshness.
Enjoy this Vacqueyras with red meats such as grilled ribeye “à la fleur de sel” (high hand sea salt). You can also enjoy it with turkey, BBQ, sweet potatoes, roast beef or lamb with thyme. Best if decanted.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah from 40-year-old vines planted on sandstone and marl soils, the 2023 Vacqueyras gives up juicy red and black fruits, pepper, spiced meats, and floral nuances on the nose. Raised all in stainless tanks, it's medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and quite pretty on the palate, with integrated acidity and fine, polished tannins. It's one of those perfumed, floral wines that grows on you with time in the glass. It should drink well for 7-8 years, if not longer. Drink 2026-2034.
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.
This charming appellation within the Côtes du Rhône Villages was second only to Gigondas to earn its own village appellation status. Its wines may be red, rosé or white—though hardly any is white. Its high winemaking standards follow many of the same rules as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. But for Vacqueyras red wines, half of the grapes have to be Grenache and the remainder is usually a combination of Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault.
While they can be robust and rustic in style, typically a great Vacqueyras red combines delicate aromas with intense fruit and a bright, crisp texture. They certainly don’t lack any character and show an abundance of black cherry, wild berry, plum, fig, baking spice, and a touch of game or smoke.