Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Vacqueyras Cuvée Spéciale is another blockbuster. Made from 100% Grenache that was 70% destemmed and aged in oak tanks, it offers terrific notes of kirsch, dried herbs, ground pepper and loads of loamy soil/sandy aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and with beautiful tannin quality, drink it anytime over the coming decade.
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James Suckling
This selected bottling has impressively bright red fruit fragrance and a more overt oak profile that is well matched. The palate has a long, fresh and vibrant core of red berry and red plum fruits. Extremely fine, even tannins. Great wine
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The parcel that went into the 2015 Vacqueyras Cuvee Speciale was purchased by the Maret family in 2014, so this is the first vintage these grapes have appeared in this cuvée. It's 100% Grenache grown on red clay, vinified with 25% to 30% whole clusters. The spice and garrigue come first, then waves of cherry fruit framed by supple tannins, capped off by a long finish
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.