Winemaker Notes
A blend of Grenache and Syrah, it comes from two parcels of Grenache planted by his grandfather in 1932, as well as a smaller plot of Syrah planted in 1960. These old vines have very low yields, giving the wine its exceptional concentration.
It is an excellent match for grilled ribs, sausages, and steaks as well as roasts and stews of lamb, beef and game.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship 2015 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes is a step up over the classic cuvée and is a blend of Grenache and Syrah that’s from the oldest vines of the estate. It offers gorgeous notes of blackberries, plums, game, and olives, as well as a distinct floral edge with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and layered, it’s another sensational 2015 from Vacqueyras.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Loaded with scents of peppery spice and garrigue, the 2015 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes also offers plenty of ripe berry and stone fruit, hints of green olive and rich, velvety tannins. While approachable now, this medium to full-bodied blend of Grenache and Syrah should drink well for a decade or more.
-
Wine Enthusiast
A blend of Grenache and Syrah, this full-bodied, plush wine offers ripe blackberry and mulberry flavors offset by hints of spice, bramble and coffee. It's an easy-drinking but polished red marked by fine, persistent tannins. Enjoy now–2024.
-
Wine Spectator
Soft and gentle in feel, with pretty black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors lined with light vanilla and tobacco notes. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2020.
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.