Winemaker Notes
Its color is dark ruby. The nose is very expressive of fruits and spices. The mouth is powerful, the tannins silky. The whole is in harmony, with freshness, volume and body. It has a very beautiful keeping potential.
To accompany truffle-omelet, lamb in curry, subtle salty, spicy and baked combinations.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Vacqueyras le Clos offers up peppery, spicy aromas, plenty of berry fruit and a full-bodied, velvety-textured palate. It looks just about as good as the fabulous 2016.
Barrel Sample: 92-94 -
Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted out of bottle, the 2017 Vacqueyras Le Clos (50/50 Grenache and Syrah aged in concrete) is a ripe, sexy wine that has an exotic edge in its ripe black and blue fruits, incense, violets, and garrigue aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, rich, layered, and textured, it’s a thrilling Vacqueyras and the finest I’ve tasted from this estate in some time.
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Wine Enthusiast
Layers of menthol and sun-ripened bramble accent blackberry and cherry in this rich, voluptuous blend of Grenache and Syrah. Luxurious and full bodied, it finishes long, with twists of red-currant acidity and fine-grained, grippy tannins. Lovely already, it should drink well through 2030.
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.