Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The Maret family is known for the top Châteauneuf du Pape, but they also make some brilliant Vacqueyras. Their 2020 Vacqueyras is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah, and it has lots of darker fruits and peppery herb aromatics to go with a medium to full-bodied profile on the palate. This is a lively, elegant vintage for the Southern Rhône, and it shows in this wine’s elegance and freshness.
Barrel Sample: 91-93 -
Wine Spectator
Ripe and generous, this also has a brooding side, with black plum and cherry anchored by iron bolts and a pull of tar. Reveals notes of cumin and allspice that mingle with grilled mesquite smoke. With a hint of old-school charm, this is characterful and delicious. Grenache and Syrah.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Marked by scents of black cherries, cinnamon and dusty earth, the 2020 Vacqueyras is more concentrated than the 2021. A 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it's full-bodied, with ample richness and length. Rating: 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.