Vacqueyras has always played second fiddle to Chateauneuf but the wines are finally starting to get the credit they deserve and this full bodied, deep and complex red is an excellent expression of this appellation. 

Sang des Cailloux means “blood of the stones,” and the galets ridden nature of the soil comes across in the mineral, stony aspect of this wine which is deep and full of energy and with notes of lavender, red and black fruit and olive. It is ready to drink now but will age gracefully for at least ten to fifteen years.

This wine is made from grapes grown on the elevated Plateau des Garrigues, where the vines are planted on a mixture of red clay, limestone and galets roule - or pudding - stones that are famously found in Chateaunuef.

A rare and special Cotes du Rhone made entirely from the dark spicy Syrah grape which delivers big time in this full bodied dry red that has ageing potential to burn - and it drinks beautifully now, especially with meaty savoury dishes. 

Buy two and age one. Supplies are limited. Get in fast.

Clape Cotes du Rhone is a compelling example of the broader Rhone Valley terroir, distinct from the more intense Clape Cornas. The vineyards, including those in Saint-Péray and nearby areas, are planted on diverse soils ranging from clay-limestone to gravel, contributing to the wine's complexity. Traditional winemaking techniques, such as partial whole-cluster fermentation, are employed to retain the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit.

Maturation is in older oak barrels and imparts subtle complexity without overshadowing the wine's primary fruit character. The result is a wine with bright red berries, cherries, and a hint of spice, balanced by supple tannins and refreshing acidity. Unlike the robust and deeply concentrated Clape Cornas, Clape Côtes du Rhône is more approachable and fruit-forward, offering an excellent introduction to the Clape family's winemaking prowess and the unique expressions of the Rhône Valley.

Wine growers in the northern Rhône since 1481, the Chave family represents 16 generations of unbroken lineage committed to the production of some of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne on the planet. Jean Louis joined his father in 1992 after completing undergraduate studies at University of Connecticut and a degree in oenology at Davis. It was at that time that he completely replanted vineyards on the family’s original estate in Saint-Joseph, which had been abandoned in the early 1900’s when phylloxera hit the region.

Jean-Louis Chave Selections, his négociant line which sources grapes from various areas in the northern Rhône, represents a more accessible way for the consumer to experience the wines of the Chave family. “Mon Coeur” Côtes-du-Rhône is a blend of excellent plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues while “Silène” Crozes-Hermitage is 50% estate Syrah and 50% purchased. As with all things Chave, quality is eminent even at the entry level.

The baby brother of La Crau from Vieux Télégraphe, made using fruit from vines that are less than 30 yeas old and fruit from sites other than La Crau and Piedlong. This spends its first 10 month sin stainless steel before spending 7 months in small format oak. Ripe dark and red berry fruits are delivered in a wonderfully supple mouthful.

Only old vine Grenache (between 75-90 years) is used to make this wine. This is a deep, rich and vibrant red. The nose is very complex with notes of raspberry, licourice and spices. This is an opulent, generously fruity wine. Drink from now through to 2027.

Produced from an assemblage of different plots in the commune of Ampuis, the white Cotes du Rhone from Domaine Jamet is northern in character. Mainly produced from Marsanne and Viognier grapes, this wine is fresh, with minerality, and provides immediate enjoyment.

Appelation - Cotes du Rhone
Geology - Schist and clay-limestone soil
Grape varieties - 60% Marsanne, 30% Viognier, 7% Roussane, 3% Grenache Blanc
Vinification - Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation partly in barrels and partly in tanks
Maturation - 50 % oak barrels and 50 % stainless steel tanks
Plot - Lezardes, Cognet, Plomb, Tartaras, Champrond.

This Vacqueyras from the Southern Rhone is composed of 55% Grenache 35% Syrah 10% Mourvèdre. It is aged in Foudre with a final blend in demi muid & concrete (15/20%). 

Lovely dark purple, pure. Sweet black fruits, dark cherry, raspberry, dark fruit pastille, big flavours, with aniseed and mineral tone, sweet and juicy, vibrant and juicy, the tannin is well supported by the acidity, very long, blueberry and soft plum, touch of soy.

This is the top wine of this old estate in Chateauneuf du Pape, produced from a single block of their oldest vines, many of which being over 100 years old.  Very concentrated and hedonistic wine.  100% Grenache,  undergrowth, truffle, toast, light notes of vanilla; red fruit: redcurrants, raspberries, sour cherries, maintaining a fresh acidity and endless length. The complexity of a fine Pinot Noir but the power of a mighty Rhone wine.

Chateauneuf du Pape is definitely the most famous and arguably the most prestigious of the Southern Rhone 'Cru' wine appellations, covering 3,200 hectares of vines across 5 communes (about three times the size of Martinborough).

Wine was made here from Roman times, but became famous with the Papacy in town and beyond to royal courts. The best vineyards are on gentle hill slopes, with deep clay & limestone soils with large rounded river stones 'galets' on top. By rules inacted in the 1920s, no vineyards were to be planted on land that was not arid enough to support plantings of both lavender and vines.

Domaine Juliette Avril is a family winery of four generations in the heart of Chateauneuf town - growing for centuries in the region and helped to create the rules of the appellation in 1928.  The vineyards are the classic mix of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and small amounts of the other 10 grape varieties permitted. An impressive half of the vines are over 50 years old.

Winemaking

Temperature controlled ferment in steel, aged in high quality demi-muid (600L) barrels for 12 months, with a light filtration.  The top wine of the estate - from a single estate of old vines.

Organic wine, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. An intense nose of spiced berry pie, pastry, and sweet cloves. Light initially in the mouth, filling out through a generous drying mid palate featuring roasted game, anise, fennel, and olive. An increasing spiciness and garrigue to a long full finish with chewy fine tannins. A bold 15% alcohol. Our own import, making it superb value.

Chateauneuf du Pape is definitely the most famous and arguably the most prestigious of the Southern Rhone 'Cru' wine appellations, covering 3,200 hectares of vines across 5 communes (about three times the size of Martinborough).

Wine was made here from Roman times, but became famous when the Pope moved to nearby Avignon in the 14th century.  With the Papacy in town and beyond to royal courts the wines have been favourites ever since. The best vineyards are on gentle hill slopes, with deep clay & limestone soils with large rounded river stones 'galets' on top. By rules inacted in the 1920s, no vineyards were to be planted on land that was not arid enough to support plantings of both lavender and vines!

Domaine Juliette Avril is a family winery of four generations in the heart of Chateauneuf - growing for centuries in the region and one of the original families that combined forces to create the rules of the first appellation in 1928.  The vineyards are the classic mix of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and small amounts of the other 10 grape varieties permitted. An impressive half of the vines are over 50 years old.

Winemaking

Temperature controlled ferment in steel, aged in high quality demi-muid (600L) barrels for 12 months, with a light filtration.

Intense purple red color. Intense nose of flowers (violet) and black fruits (black cherry, blackcurrant) combined with peppery hints. Full on the palate with a nice fruity and spicy aftertaste.

55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre grown in the Côtes du Rhône apellation in cobblestone-clay and clay-limestone soils.

Grapes were destemmed with daily racking. Wine aged on fine lees in vats with controlled oxygen levels.

Food Pairing: Spicy food, red meat in sauce, cheese.

"Richly fruited and instantly appealing, the wine shows dark plum, cherry, warm spice and roasted nut aromas, followed by a generously expressed palate that's succulent and silky. It's soothing and comforting with loads of tasty flavours. At its best: now to 2028" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Feb 2024

Commercial description

"A dark colour, captivating nose of blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry and a lush, profound palate of fruit. All of this revolves around a truly assertive Rhône style with abundant yet fine, supple tannins and good salinity."

Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Drink Date: 2023 - 2035
A 60-40 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre aged in a combination of demi-muids and new barriques, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance shows plenty of smoky, toasty nuances laid over the top of roasted cherries. Full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, it finishes long, with overtones of mocha lingering on the finish. It's oaky now, but it should improve with short-term cellaring. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

I confess to being slightly disappointed in the offerings from this fine domaine this year. The Grangeon family owns vineyards in some superb sandy sites, including the lieux-dits of Cristia and la Font du Loup, but the 2019s and 2020s (to a lesser extent) are too easy in style, and some cuvees are overly marked by wood. Still, there is no denying their commercial appeal. The 2020 white, however, showed well on both occasions I tasted it. Baptiste Grangeon is picking those grapes a bit early "to keep the freshness," then compensating by using a bit more new oak and bâtonnage.

"I was a big fan of 2019 and less of 2020 in the beginning," Grangeon said as we tasted through the range. "But with time, I like '20 more and more." Alcohol levels here were close to 16% in 2019 but more like 15% in 2020. "You can't get in '19 what we got in '16—that was a perfectly balanced vintage. Chateauneuf is supposed to be a fine and elegant wine," Grangeon added in closing.

Looking at the older wines, the 2011 (there was only a single cuvee produced) should be consumed without further delay, and the 2001 came across as tired and of only academic interest at this point (no review given). As a rough rule of thumb, I would suggest drinking these wines within their first decade.

Published: May 06, 2022