Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Vacqueyras (70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault) exhibits a dark plum/ruby color, serious density and concentration and classic Provencal aromatic and flavor profiles of garrigue, licorice, kirsch, blacker fruits and hints of earth and truffles. One of the three lots that will go into this wine showed some oak, which does not make sense given the fact that the wine is aged in cement. Perhaps its sappy character was from the old vines. Domaine La Garrigue's Vacqueyras have a very impressive track record for aging up to 10 years, so I don’t think there will be any problem as they are loaded with density and extract and have good serious structure without being astringent or overbearing. 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.
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.