Winemaker Notes
It is an excellent match for grilled ribs, sausages, and steaks as well as roasts and stews of lamb, beef and game.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even more impressive, the 2012 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes is an inky colored blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah that also was aged completely in concrete tank. Loaded with mineral-laced blackberry fruit, earth, wild herbs and roasted meat-like aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness and depth, bright acidity and stunning purity of fruit. More than a little impressive, it’s an age-worthy 2012 that should benefit from a year or two in bottle and have over a decade of longevity. Don’t miss it!
Range: 91-93 -
Wine Spectator
Delicious, with energetic bitter plum, currant and boysenberry coulis flavors that race along, with mouthwatering black tea and singed mesquite notes. A pleasant iron hint underscores the finish, giving the fruit extra time to play out.
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.