Winemaker Notes
Blend: 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
e 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes reveals the muscular, chocolaty, scorched earth, dense Grenache character of this sun-baked hillside appellation. With a dense ruby/purple color as well as a macho style, this 90% Grenache cuvee is rustic, earthy, full-bodied and massive. Cellar it for 2-4 years and drink it over the following 15+.
Range: 91-93 -
Wine Spectator
Captivating, with fig, boysenberry, linzer torte and blueberry notes all melded together, wrapped with fruitcake and licorice snap and then coursing through the graphite-filled finish. Very dark in profile, with a Turkish coffee note in the background, but great cut and spine overall. Best from 2013 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.