Winemaker Notes
A worthy comparison between the Vacqueyras and Cuvée Romaine can be made. Whereas the Romaine trades on a fruitier, more easy-going structure, the Vacqueyras is altogether different. Seeing an additional 6 months in tank it possesses a notable meaty quality with firmer tannins and a seriously dense core of black fruit and iron.
Should you find yourself with a fairly large piece of beef or lamb on your hands you’d be hard–pressed for a more suitable assistant at the table.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Sun-kissed raspberries and rose petals perfume this bright, penetrating blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It's a surprising contrast to this producer's equally delicious but significantly brawnier 2017 bottling. Full bodied but freshly composed, it highlights crisp red-plum and cherry flavors lifted by a mineral undertow and brisk acidity. This lovely wine is ready now
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Jeb Dunnuck
More rounded and fleshy than the 2017, yet also tannic, the 2018 Vacqueyras has classic notes of red and black fruits, garrigue, and pepper. Based on 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault and Mourvèdre, brought up all in tank, it’s going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age yet keep for upwards of a decade.
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.