Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Ogier Vacqueyras Boiseraie is an intense ruby color. The nose carries subtle flavors of thyme and rosemary (Provençal herbs) on a woody aromatic background- discreet notes of violet and black cherry. A full-bodied palate, well balanced with spices and fresh fruits – very elegant tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A pleasant surprise to emerge from this year's blind tastings was the fine showing of Ogier's 2017 Vacqueyras Boiseraie. A blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, aged in a mix of tank, foudre and demi-muids, this full-bodied, supple wine combines garrigue with ripe raspberries and chocolate overtones. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Vacqueyras Boiseraie is more elegant, with pretty black raspberries, flowers, and spice aromas and flavors. Elegant, medium-bodied, silky and polished, with juicy acidity, it's a terrific wine to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years.
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.