Winemaker Notes
Blend: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From the estate's vineyards near Sarrians, the 2016 Vacqueyras had yet to be bottled at the time of my June visit. It's full-bodied and creamy textured, with lovely raspberry and dried spice nuances.
Range: 90-92 -
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, neither of the 2016 Vacqueyras were bottled. The 2016 Vacqueyras checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that was brought up in a mix of wood tanks and stainless steel. This juicy, medium to full-bodied, elegant 2016 gives up classic notes of spices, garrigue, iron, and assorted dark fruits. I love its complexity as well as its elegance.
Range: 89-91
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.