Winemaker Notes
Produced from the finest parcels on the estate, it is cloaked in a deep purple robe. Its voluptuous and sensual character conveys excellence. It offers aromas of blackberries and Provencal wild herbs. Impressive concentration - admirable depth, it literally coats the palate with its silky tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The flagship release from this terrific estate is the 2015 Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint Maurice Guillaume de Rouville, which is always Syrah-dominated, with a tiny amount of Grenache. Aging in foudre, it offers classic Syrah notes as well as an inky purple color, notes of blueberries, blackberries, peppery notes and scorched earth, medium to full-bodied richness and polished tannin. It shows the fresh, elegant side to the vintage and will keep for a decade.
Range: (90-93)
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.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.