Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Marrenon Ventoux Orca Vieilles Vignes opens with a mature nose of mild tobacco. In the mouth, a rich attack of ripe fruits, livened up by little fresh fruits liquor (blackcurrant/raspberry ) aromas. The melting oak tannins come all along with the wine in mouth. Fresh, complex (garrigue, coffee-roasting) and with a very long finish.
This powerful wine has a nice ageing potential. Pair it with duck breast, roasted shoulder of lamb or stewed game. To put in decanter 3 hours before tasting.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Impressive red fruit builds into deeper blackberry aromas, rich and vibrant with suave, stony background allure. The palate is silky and packed with rich dark-berry flavor. Fluid, succulent finish.
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.