Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Domaine Fontaine du Clos Vacqueyras is a spot on respresentation of Vacqueyras. Ripe and voluptuous with lavender, black plum, cinnamon, molasses and pepper; juicy and persistent finish.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2017 Vacqueyras Castillon is based on 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre that was destemmed and brought up in once-used barrels. It has lots of Syrah character in its dark berry fruits, peach pit, and white pepper aromas and flavors, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ripe tannins, with just a kiss of background oak. Drink this layered, singular wine any time over the coming.
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.