Winemaker Notes
Ora is the result of the selection of the best vineyard plots, meticulous vine-growing and vinification. The wine is matured in concrete vats and new oak barrels. Beautiful deep dark red color. Sweet spices, pepper and ripe red berries. Note of jam and vanilla. Of great complexity with a smooth and round texture, beautiful soft tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the barrel samples, the 2018 Vacqueyras Ora is based on 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre that has 35% of the blend brought up in 1- to 3-year-old barrels and the rest in concrete. It has quality aromatics of ripe strawberries, mulberries, garrigue and spice. These give way to a medium-bodied, layered red that has fine tannins, notable balance, and the purity and charm that are common in the vintage.
Rating: 90-92 -
Wine Enthusiast
Sun-kissed black cherries are ripe yet vibrant in this blend of Grenache (55%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (20%). Matured partially in oak barrels, it offers penetrating cherry and berry flavors that are pure but framed by firm, gripping tannins and hints of vanilla and smoke. This powerful, elegant wine should maintain peak performance.
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.