Winemaker Notes
Blend: 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes is pure garrigue, kirsch liqueur, lavender and licorice. Full-bodied and unctuously textured, it displays the vintage’s slightly higher acid and lower pH style that gives it a precision and vibrancy that is unusual in the southern Rhone.
Range: 91-93 -
Wine Spectator
This is gorgeous, with warm espresso, bittersweet ganache and Black Forest cake notes leading the way, followed quickly by lush currant preserves, crushed plum and hoisin sauce notes. The long, graphite-filled finish has terrific cut, while a smoldering feel lingers.
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.