Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Vacqueyras Les Secrets De La Licorne brings a touch more classic, Provençal style in its ripe black cherry, melted licorice, and sappy, floral, garrigue-like nuances. It's a rich, powerful 2023 that has tons of fruit and a voluptuous, layered mouthfeel. It puts its foot firmly on the ripeness scale while staying pure and balanced. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, the wine was completely destemmed and aged in a mix of oak barrels and concrete tanks for 12 to 18 months.
Barrel Sample: 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.
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.