Our Vacqueyras reflects the harmony and wisdom of old Grenache. It speaks with grace and elegance in a right and pure register.
Terroir
Selection of the most qualitative terroir Blend of Hautes Garrigues (red clay gravel) and Pendants (blue and yellow marl). Each terroir brings its originality. The Garrigues, finesse, and minerality. The Pendants, the power and depth. The vineyard was planted in 1950.
Food & Wine pairing
Sautéed chicken à la Provençale, Grilled rack of lamb.
Vinification: Grapes not destemmed, crushed, and followed by a short infusion. In a concrete tank to highlight the purity and delicacy of this wine.
Alcohol: 14%
2021 Dauvergne Ranvier Costières de Nîmes, France
Tasting Notes
We have been seduced several times already by Costières de Nîmes. and we have built some fruitful relationships with different wine cellars for many years. The soils are clayey and sandy with limestone, covered by siliceous pebbles. The blend of our Costières is mainly made of Syrah completed with Grenache. The vinification was realized at low temperature in steel and concrete tanks, maceration of 3 weeks. We decided not to age this wine in oak barrels as its natural fruit is particularly tempting.
This is a round and fruity wine. The nose seduces with notes of black berries and ripe red fruits (raspberry). The palate is first ample and round, then develops and concludes with a fresh and fine finish. Our Costières de Nimes is a southerner because it has the abundance of the wines of this region: its spicy character enriches aromatic plates like a tajine, a beef fillet with ginger, or grilled meat. It also fits with a risotto of wild mushrooms. Serve at 16°C.
Even if this is an easy wine it has been produced with rigor. This rigor will permit keeping the wine 4 to 5 years without problem.
2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge, Sancerre, France
Tasting Notes
A part of the production is aged in oak barrels, enabling the creation of well-balanced wines, subtly but not excessively oaked, with characteristic aromas of red fruits such as morello cherries. Round in the mouth with a garnet-red appearance flecked with hints of violet. To be consumed between 14° and 16°.
Terroir
Clay and limestone marls for the red wines. Limestone soils for the rosé wine.
Specs
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel temperature-controlled tanks.
Alcohol: 13%
2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins de Beau Puy, France
Tasting Notes
This north-facing slope is a typical Véron terroir (millarge soil on yellow tuffeau limestone) with the presence of fine clay. The millarge soil produces wines that are approachable in their youth. The fine clay enhances the aromatic complexity and aging potential. Les Moulins de Beau Puy is therefore enjoyable now but can also be cellared for ten years or more. This is the neighboring plot of Les Pucelles. For terroir enthusiasts, a comparative tasting of the two wines is highly recommended.
Specs
Hillside of calcareous sands and fine clays | Bedrock: Turonian limestone
2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles, Chinon, France
Tasting Notes
This north-facing slope, with its typical Véron terroir of millarges (decomposed tuffeau limestone) over yellow tuffeau, gives the wine an ethereal profile and, at the same time, significant aromatic complexity. Les Pucelles is very drinkable now but will certainly reach its peak after 2-3 years of cellaring. This is the neighboring plot of Moulins de Beau Puy. For terroir enthusiasts, a comparative tasting of the two wines is highly recommended. At Les Moulins de Beau Puy, the presence of clay results in a wine with greater body.
The 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas captures the elegance and vitality of high-altitude Gigondas in one of the most classic vintages in recent memory. A typical blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, it shows a nuanced balance of ripe red and black fruit – think Morello cherry, blackberry, and blood orange zest – wrapped in notes of mountain herbs, black olive, and wet river stone. Pure, energetic, and vibrant, with fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish that hums with freshness, this is a Southern Rhône stunner that’s drinking beautifully now (but make no mistake, this will hold up well for another decade at least).
1x 2021 Dauvergne Ranvier Costières de Nîmes, France
1x 2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge, Sancerre, France
1x 2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins de Beau Puy, France
1x 2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles, Chinon, France
1x 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas, France Case:
2x 2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge, Sancerre, France
3x 2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles, Chinon, France
2x 2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Moulins de Beau Puy, France
1x 2021 Dauvergne Ranvier Costières de Nîmes, France
2x 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Vacqueyras, France
2x 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas, France
Price Comparison
Not all wines for sale on winery website, $399/case MSRP
About The Winery
Domaine D’Ourea
Located in Vacqueyras in the southern Rhône Valley with an ideal location opposite Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, Domaine D’Ouréa was founded in 2009 by Adrien Roustan and covers 20 hectares divided between Vacqueyras and Gigondas. The winemaker took over the family vineyards after studying wine and gaining experience in Burgundy and California, converting the entire vineyard to organic farming from the beginning and obtaining certification in 2012. Named in homage to his highest plot of Gigondas located at 520 meters on the southern slope of the Dentelles de Montmirail after Ourea, the God of mountains in Greek mythology, the estate produces wines from four different appellations, including AOC Gigondas, AOC Vacqueyras, AOC Côtes du Rhône, and Vin de France. Adrien vinifies his wines naturally without adding wine products to guarantee sincere wines that reflect the terroirs, and after ten years of organic farming, he began converting to biodynamic practices in 2020.
Domaine des Freres
Founded in 2019 by Valentin Bruneau in Beaumont en Véron within the AOC Chinon appellation, Domaine des Frères encompasses 11 hectares of old vines aged 30 to 60 years planted on hillsides across six different terroirs Home. After studying viticulture and oenology in Mâcon and working with renowned winemakers including Yvon and Jules Métras, Philippe Chigard, and Bernard Baudry, Valentin created the estate with immediate conversion to organic viticulture. Originally started with his brother Henri who left in October 2022, Valentin kept the name “Frères” to honor both his brother’s contribution and all those who support the estate Home. The domaine bottles wine by parcel with each cuvée bearing the name of its unique terroir, producing 100% Cabernet Franc reds and 100% Chenin whites that showcase how the grape expresses differently depending on the soil.
Domaine de la Garenne
Rooted in the village of Verdigny in Sancerre, Domaine de la Garenne has been a family affair since Jean-Louis Reverdy harvested the first vines in 1820, with Fabienne and Benoit Godon taking control in 2008 and now cultivating the estate with passion using organic farming practices. The estate spans 12.5 hectares across 37 carefully managed plots on a southeast-facing hillside in the heart of Mâconnais, producing wines exclusively from the Sancerre AOC appellation. The domaine farms environmentally friendly plots distributed among three types of soils with a predominance of hard or soft limestone, including calcareous Caillottes, clay-limestone Terres Blanches, and flint, allowing respect for the authenticity of terroirs to express unique and complex wines. They produce white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and red and rosé wines from Pinot Noir, offering authentic wines that are regularly honored by professionals.
Dauvergne Ranvier
Created in 2004 by François Dauvergne and Jean-François Ranvier, this négociant house has become one of the most recognized in the Rhône Valley, with both founders bringing rich professional experience from France’s most important wine production companies before deciding to create their own wines. The house signs quality wines from parcel selections, with 80% certified organic or in conversion, and in 2013 the partners took over Domaine des Muretins, which became Domaine Liravel, producing Lirac and Tavel, then created Domaine de la Chapelle-Saint-Mathieu in Aniane in 2016. François grew up between Bordeaux and Saint-Polycarpe near Limoux, where his family had vines, while Jean-François, an amateur geologist, chose enology after earning an agronomy degree. Established in the southern Rhône Valley, their wines regularly receive selections in Guide Hachette des Vins, producing across numerous appellations including Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, and many others.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The Southern Rhone is one of my favorite wine growing regions and I hope to visit someday however until then I will live vicariously and enjoy these sumptuous blends from afar. I often get into debates with my son who prefers Syrah from Northern Rhone but I find the GSM blends from the Southern Rhone to be more easy to drink and to pair with a variety of foods. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the arrival of the 2020 D’Ourea Gigondas. This offering substitutes Cinsault for the Mourvedre in the blend which likely influences the taste profile. I think that if I was tasting this blind I would have guessed Northern Rhone rather than Southern but that likely reflects my untrained and unrefined palate. The 2020 vintage according to the widely referenced vintage chart is 94 and is classified as early maturing so this appears to be ready to drink according to the experts.
After removing the seal a white composite cork was evident. I am not sure whether this is plastic, rubber, silicone, or other type of composite material. After opening with a wine key the white stopper was more difficult to remove than a usual cork but with a firm grip I got it off. The stopper was secure so there will be no risk of leakage or cork taint. The color is a deep dense purple with a tinge of garnet. On the nose there is black fruit with some faint earth and dander. The approach of leather and tannin gives way to black fruit with a long finish of leather, tannin, and barnyard. Many previously posted tasting reviews note a wider variety of impressions but I would agree with the dark fruit, blackberry, leather, mineral, and tannin descriptors. The reviews also mentioned that the wine needed some time to open up and since my tasting was right out of the bottle, I ran it through the Vinturi aerator which opened it up a little. I did some food pairings with cheese and hummus and whole grain pita and the food helped cut through the acid quite pleasantly although I think this wine is screaming for some wild game to pair with. Although many reviews and expert opinions say this is ready to drink I would suggest cellaring for at least 3 more years to allow the tannins to soften. At the price point offered it is a terrific value.
@digerifoo2 After Ill-fated international mystery case of a few years ago, I can (resist). My mistake was not writing for a refund as apparently some people did. This looks different so might be fine…
@digerifoo2@pmarin The legend of the mystery case will never die. Aside from the two bottles of Merlot that smelled and tasted like a tire fire, mine wasn’t that bad.
@digerifoo2@pmarin The casemates international Mystery case (in addition to a few IRKs) has made me swear off surprises forever. I won’t even go to a surprise birthday party anymore.
@digerifoo2@pmarin@Vinito That International mystery case offer screwed me up more than that Russian MiG screwed up Cougar but the recent mystery box made up for it so I’m a sucker reborn.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
French Mixed Reds - $35 = 19.44%
TLDR: a very oaky and heavy tannin wine with little complexity, probably needs more time in the bottle and served with some red meat.
My wife and I have recently visited France and travelled the Rhone River Valley and tried quite a few wines in the area and were looking forward to trying this one. Cork was easy to remove and had some decent staining since this a 2021 vintage. Served slightly cooler than room temperature and was a light red in the glass. The bottle is very dark and difficult to tell that the wine is even a red wine in the bottle. On first sniff all we could get was oak, and that continued with the first taste. The oak and tannins were so prominent that it was difficult to pick up any other aromas or flavors in the beginning. My wife got some black/white pepper but I even struggled to identify that.
We set our glasses aside for about an hour and then revisited with some Turkey and mashed potato leftovers from our weekend Friendsgiving. Was not a good match with the Friendsgiving leftovers, just over powered the food. But the oak did start to fade a bit after the hour or so and could start to taste some red or black fruits but was never really able to settle on any specific flavors. I would say because of the heavy oak and tannins that this wine would be best with some red meat or lasagna or similar and would probably be better in a few years or after some serious decanting.
Set aside about half the bottle for a day 2 tasting. Oak and tannins had diminished more on day two and it was a little more pleasant experience. But it still has no aroma that is specific except for the oak and maybe some leather/muskiness and no distinguishable flavors.
This was not a favorite for us and just never turned into anything special. Probably could stand some more time in the bottle but still do not expect it to develop any complexity. Even though the oakiness dissipated after a while, it just never turned into anything particularly tasty, but was not unpleasant either.
Jeb Dunnuck on the 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas, which he reviewed twice:
91 points. I actually prefer the 2020 Gigondas over the La Belle Cime cuvée, although it’s a similar blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault that saw 30% stems and 14 months all in concrete tank. Classic, garrigue-laced red and black fruits, spice, and peppery notes define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with beautiful freshness and purity, silky tannins, and impressive balance. It has more stuffing than the La Belle Cime release, yet it’s still all about purity and finesse. It will age for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2022 - 2037. JD 1/25/22
91 points. The 2020 Gigondas offers lots to love, with gamey red fruits, rose, framboise, and sappy, Provençal garrigue notes in its medium-bodied, elegant profile. It’s well worth checking out and should have a solid decade of prime drinking. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault, brought up all in concrete tanks. Drink 2023 - 2033. JD 3/16/23
Jeb on the 2020 D’Ourea Vacqueyras:
91 points. Another terrific wine from this estate, the 2020 Vacqueyras is 85% Grenache with the balance a mix of permitted varieties. It has a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant style as well as lots of strawberry and raspberry fruits, some spice and floral notes, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It’s beautifully done and will drink well for 7-8 years or more. Drink 2023 - 2031. 3/16/23
jancisrobinson.com on the 2020 D’Ourea Vacqueyras:
15/20 points. 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Cinsault. Aged in concrete. Already bottled. Light crimson with an opaque rim. Juicy and fresh but simple. Light in weight and frame. To be drunk early on the fruit. No faults but no longer-term potential. Drink 2022 - 2024. James Lawther MW 10/28/21
Retailer note, Nicholas Pearce(?) on Sancerre Rouge:
Domaine de la Garenne’s Sancerre Rouge, made from 100% Pinot Noir, is sourced from two hectares of vineyards in the commune of Verdigny, where the soil is primarily clay-limestone marl. The vines, averaging 30 years in age, are cultivated using organic methods, with careful attention to tillage, yield control, and manual leaf thinning—without the use of herbicides or insecticides.
Part of the production is aged in 500-litre oak barrels which allows the Domaine to obtain a balanced wine, with small red fruits (cherry, sour cherry) aromatics and subtle oaked notes. The colour is garnet with purple undertones, and the palate is delicious.
Retailer note, Maison & Loire(?) on the 2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins:
Winemaking: The brothers decided to harvest between 4am and 11am because this was a very hot harvest season and they needed to keep the fruit cool to allow for natural vinification. All the fruit was manually sorted, de-stemmed and fermented in concrete; aged 9 months in concrete.
Labrat reporting in. I was sent the 2020 Vacqueryas Grenache blend bottle. We are big fans of Rhône blends and Grenache as well, so looked forward to trying this wine at 5 years past vintage.
Dark brick red in the glass with some lightened bricking around the rim. Paired with the planned meal (extended family dinner) of prime hanger steak, mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts. I was tasting, along with my wife, Shannon, and oldest daughter, Brooke. We also will get some bonus notes on the nose from my 8 year old grandson.
Me: held to the light jolly rancher red with bricking around the edges. Herbs and red fruit on the nose, similar on the palate, nice dusty mouthfeel, herbs and strawberry, not much tannin, short pleasant finish. I liked it, but it didn’t hold up to our meal, not the best pairing. We also opened a 2008 Wellington Victory, which was a totally different style and blend and far superior on its own and paired with the meal. I liked the wine and thought it was well made and appropriately styled Grenache blend.
Shannon: earthy, gentle, pepper in the finish, simple on the palette.
Brooke: dull, overwhelmed by our meal. Very even in the mouthfeel.
Shannon and Brooke weren’t huge fans and felt that the wine was too simple and one dimensional. I think it just got overwhelmed by the richness of the meal. It had lots of herbs and was quite pleasant, but nothing complex.
Here’s Wesley’s note: nose of red monkey poo, mashed potatoes, dried skins, rabbit hair, your mom‘s glasses, brown sugar, salt, and wood.
(He’s not totally wrong…)
Seeing the case price, this is totally worth it, I’ll have to wait for other rats to see what the feeling is on the other 5 wines.
Thanks for the rattage, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
@SylvreKat My initial understanding was that it was red poo from a monkey. But now you have me questioning everything. I will go back to the source and get clarification. I can understand not wanting to pull the trigger on this offer until this is cleared up.
@wnance Yes. This is indeed VERY important! I mean, if it’s regular poo from a red monkey, that’s one thing. But red poo from a monkey, that’s entirely different!
Thanks for the opportunity to try this out, it’s always a fun surprise to see the Labrat email!
We opened the wine after a light chilling and didn’t get much an aroma upon first pour. Taste was minerally and light red fruit. Overall, the wine is well balanced, tart and refreshing but a little thin. Nothing stood out to us and I think maybe a bit more age could make it a little more interesting. That said, we both liked it as is. After some time in the glass we did get more aroma and some grape candy and violet notes on the palate.
I love Southern Rhone wines. With both Vacqueyras and Gigondas in the offering, how can I resist?! It turns out I can. Maybe it’s my maniacal antipathy towards Cabernet Franc (or perhaps the beginnings of a slow descent into conspiracy theory), but I view this as a scheme to unload undesirable CF. (And by “undesirable CF” I mean all Cab Franc is undesirable - I am not singling out the two CF wines here, which would constitute 5 bottles in the case).
@TimW
Interesting that I can find nothing online about that wine. Tempting as gifts for non-discerning wine drinkers, but I have no room for a $7/bottle of wine.
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Vacqueyras, France
Tasting Notes
Our Vacqueyras reflects the harmony and wisdom of old Grenache. It speaks with grace and elegance in a right and pure register.
Terroir
Food & Wine pairing
Specs
2021 Dauvergne Ranvier Costières de Nîmes, France
Tasting Notes
2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge, Sancerre, France
Tasting Notes
Terroir
Specs
2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins de Beau Puy, France
Tasting Notes
Specs
2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles, Chinon, France
Tasting Notes
Specs
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas, France
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not all wines for sale on winery website, $399/case MSRP
About The Winery
Domaine D’Ourea
Domaine des Freres
Domaine de la Garenne
Dauvergne Ranvier
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 15 - Tuesday, Dec 16
French Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $89.99 $15/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Vacqueyras
2021 Dauvergne Ranvier Costières de Nîmes
2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge Sancerre
2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins de Beau Puy
2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles Chinon
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas
@ilCesare this should be fun highlighting the Rats, and trying to sort out which bottle they ratted
@ilCesare @rjquillin
Good luck to the WCC case packing crew, they will need it.
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas
The Southern Rhone is one of my favorite wine growing regions and I hope to visit someday however until then I will live vicariously and enjoy these sumptuous blends from afar. I often get into debates with my son who prefers Syrah from Northern Rhone but I find the GSM blends from the Southern Rhone to be more easy to drink and to pair with a variety of foods. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the arrival of the 2020 D’Ourea Gigondas. This offering substitutes Cinsault for the Mourvedre in the blend which likely influences the taste profile. I think that if I was tasting this blind I would have guessed Northern Rhone rather than Southern but that likely reflects my untrained and unrefined palate. The 2020 vintage according to the widely referenced vintage chart is 94 and is classified as early maturing so this appears to be ready to drink according to the experts.
After removing the seal a white composite cork was evident. I am not sure whether this is plastic, rubber, silicone, or other type of composite material. After opening with a wine key the white stopper was more difficult to remove than a usual cork but with a firm grip I got it off. The stopper was secure so there will be no risk of leakage or cork taint. The color is a deep dense purple with a tinge of garnet. On the nose there is black fruit with some faint earth and dander. The approach of leather and tannin gives way to black fruit with a long finish of leather, tannin, and barnyard. Many previously posted tasting reviews note a wider variety of impressions but I would agree with the dark fruit, blackberry, leather, mineral, and tannin descriptors. The reviews also mentioned that the wine needed some time to open up and since my tasting was right out of the bottle, I ran it through the Vinturi aerator which opened it up a little. I did some food pairings with cheese and hummus and whole grain pita and the food helped cut through the acid quite pleasantly although I think this wine is screaming for some wild game to pair with. Although many reviews and expert opinions say this is ready to drink I would suggest cellaring for at least 3 more years to allow the tannins to soften. At the price point offered it is a terrific value.
“Run, you fools”, says Gandalf. (Actually, ‘fly, you fools’, but who says fly any more.) Seriously though, who can resist mixed cases?
@digerifoo2 After Ill-fated international mystery case of a few years ago, I can (resist). My mistake was not writing for a refund as apparently some people did. This looks different so might be fine…
@digerifoo2 @pmarin The legend of the mystery case will never die. Aside from the two bottles of Merlot that smelled and tasted like a tire fire, mine wasn’t that bad.
@digerifoo2 @pmarin The casemates international Mystery case (in addition to a few IRKs) has made me swear off surprises forever. I won’t even go to a surprise birthday party anymore.
@digerifoo2 @pmarin @Vinito That International mystery case offer screwed me up more than that Russian MiG screwed up Cougar but the recent mystery box made up for it so I’m a sucker reborn.
@pmarin @toddlamp @Vinito Glad I missed that International mystery case, but this isn’t a mystery. I appreciate the variety.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
French Mixed Reds - $35 = 19.44%
2021 Domaine des Freres Les Pucelles
TLDR: a very oaky and heavy tannin wine with little complexity, probably needs more time in the bottle and served with some red meat.
My wife and I have recently visited France and travelled the Rhone River Valley and tried quite a few wines in the area and were looking forward to trying this one. Cork was easy to remove and had some decent staining since this a 2021 vintage. Served slightly cooler than room temperature and was a light red in the glass. The bottle is very dark and difficult to tell that the wine is even a red wine in the bottle. On first sniff all we could get was oak, and that continued with the first taste. The oak and tannins were so prominent that it was difficult to pick up any other aromas or flavors in the beginning. My wife got some black/white pepper but I even struggled to identify that.
We set our glasses aside for about an hour and then revisited with some Turkey and mashed potato leftovers from our weekend Friendsgiving. Was not a good match with the Friendsgiving leftovers, just over powered the food. But the oak did start to fade a bit after the hour or so and could start to taste some red or black fruits but was never really able to settle on any specific flavors. I would say because of the heavy oak and tannins that this wine would be best with some red meat or lasagna or similar and would probably be better in a few years or after some serious decanting.
Set aside about half the bottle for a day 2 tasting. Oak and tannins had diminished more on day two and it was a little more pleasant experience. But it still has no aroma that is specific except for the oak and maybe some leather/muskiness and no distinguishable flavors.
This was not a favorite for us and just never turned into anything special. Probably could stand some more time in the bottle but still do not expect it to develop any complexity. Even though the oakiness dissipated after a while, it just never turned into anything particularly tasty, but was not unpleasant either.
Jeb Dunnuck on the 2020 Domaine D’Ourea Gigondas, which he reviewed twice:
91 points. I actually prefer the 2020 Gigondas over the La Belle Cime cuvée, although it’s a similar blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault that saw 30% stems and 14 months all in concrete tank. Classic, garrigue-laced red and black fruits, spice, and peppery notes define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with beautiful freshness and purity, silky tannins, and impressive balance. It has more stuffing than the La Belle Cime release, yet it’s still all about purity and finesse. It will age for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2022 - 2037. JD 1/25/22
91 points. The 2020 Gigondas offers lots to love, with gamey red fruits, rose, framboise, and sappy, Provençal garrigue notes in its medium-bodied, elegant profile. It’s well worth checking out and should have a solid decade of prime drinking. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault, brought up all in concrete tanks. Drink 2023 - 2033. JD 3/16/23
Jeb on the 2020 D’Ourea Vacqueyras:
91 points. Another terrific wine from this estate, the 2020 Vacqueyras is 85% Grenache with the balance a mix of permitted varieties. It has a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant style as well as lots of strawberry and raspberry fruits, some spice and floral notes, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It’s beautifully done and will drink well for 7-8 years or more. Drink 2023 - 2031. 3/16/23
jancisrobinson.com on the 2020 D’Ourea Vacqueyras:
15/20 points. 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Cinsault. Aged in concrete. Already bottled. Light crimson with an opaque rim. Juicy and fresh but simple. Light in weight and frame. To be drunk early on the fruit. No faults but no longer-term potential. Drink 2022 - 2024. James Lawther MW 10/28/21
Retailer note, Nicholas Pearce(?) on Sancerre Rouge:
Domaine de la Garenne’s Sancerre Rouge, made from 100% Pinot Noir, is sourced from two hectares of vineyards in the commune of Verdigny, where the soil is primarily clay-limestone marl. The vines, averaging 30 years in age, are cultivated using organic methods, with careful attention to tillage, yield control, and manual leaf thinning—without the use of herbicides or insecticides.
Part of the production is aged in 500-litre oak barrels which allows the Domaine to obtain a balanced wine, with small red fruits (cherry, sour cherry) aromatics and subtle oaked notes. The colour is garnet with purple undertones, and the palate is delicious.
Retailer note, Maison & Loire(?) on the 2020 Domaine des Freres Chinon Les Moulins:
Winemaking: The brothers decided to harvest between 4am and 11am because this was a very hot harvest season and they needed to keep the fruit cool to allow for natural vinification. All the fruit was manually sorted, de-stemmed and fermented in concrete; aged 9 months in concrete.
fwiw
2020 Domaine D’Ourea Vacqueyras
Labrat reporting in. I was sent the 2020 Vacqueryas Grenache blend bottle. We are big fans of Rhône blends and Grenache as well, so looked forward to trying this wine at 5 years past vintage.
Dark brick red in the glass with some lightened bricking around the rim. Paired with the planned meal (extended family dinner) of prime hanger steak, mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts. I was tasting, along with my wife, Shannon, and oldest daughter, Brooke. We also will get some bonus notes on the nose from my 8 year old grandson.
Me: held to the light jolly rancher red with bricking around the edges. Herbs and red fruit on the nose, similar on the palate, nice dusty mouthfeel, herbs and strawberry, not much tannin, short pleasant finish. I liked it, but it didn’t hold up to our meal, not the best pairing. We also opened a 2008 Wellington Victory, which was a totally different style and blend and far superior on its own and paired with the meal. I liked the wine and thought it was well made and appropriately styled Grenache blend.
Shannon: earthy, gentle, pepper in the finish, simple on the palette.
Brooke: dull, overwhelmed by our meal. Very even in the mouthfeel.
Shannon and Brooke weren’t huge fans and felt that the wine was too simple and one dimensional. I think it just got overwhelmed by the richness of the meal. It had lots of herbs and was quite pleasant, but nothing complex.
Here’s Wesley’s note: nose of red monkey poo, mashed potatoes, dried skins, rabbit hair, your mom‘s glasses, brown sugar, salt, and wood.
(He’s not totally wrong…)
Seeing the case price, this is totally worth it, I’ll have to wait for other rats to see what the feeling is on the other 5 wines.
Thanks for the rattage, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
@wnance dying to read how Wesley knows what red monkey poo smells like. And is that poo from red monkeys? Or monkey poo that’s red?
Gotta love the descriptions young’uns come up with!!
@SylvreKat My initial understanding was that it was red poo from a monkey. But now you have me questioning everything. I will go back to the source and get clarification. I can understand not wanting to pull the trigger on this offer until this is cleared up.
@wnance Yes. This is indeed VERY important! I mean, if it’s regular poo from a red monkey, that’s one thing. But red poo from a monkey, that’s entirely different!
2022 Domaine de la Garenne Rouge, Sancerre
Thanks for the opportunity to try this out, it’s always a fun surprise to see the Labrat email!
We opened the wine after a light chilling and didn’t get much an aroma upon first pour. Taste was minerally and light red fruit. Overall, the wine is well balanced, tart and refreshing but a little thin. Nothing stood out to us and I think maybe a bit more age could make it a little more interesting. That said, we both liked it as is. After some time in the glass we did get more aroma and some grape candy and violet notes on the palate.
@sarahaha extra points for using the correct “palate”!
I love Southern Rhone wines. With both Vacqueyras and Gigondas in the offering, how can I resist?! It turns out I can. Maybe it’s my maniacal antipathy towards Cabernet Franc (or perhaps the beginnings of a slow descent into conspiracy theory), but I view this as a scheme to unload undesirable CF. (And by “undesirable CF” I mean all Cab Franc is undesirable - I am not singling out the two CF wines here, which would constitute 5 bottles in the case).
Maybe y’all noticed it, I did not. The 6 pack is one bottle of each wine. The 12 pack is not two of each, a slightly different mix.
@kaolis
What could possibly go south during packing on this one?
FYI, there’s wine over on sister site meh.com today!
@TimW
Interesting that I can find nothing online about that wine. Tempting as gifts for non-discerning wine drinkers, but I have no room for a $7/bottle of wine.
@Springbank @TimW Make that a $5.83 bottle - a $10 Casemates coupon is included with every order.
@rpstrong @Springbank @TimW
Check out the RS, not low; these won’t be ‘dry’
@rjquillin @rpstrong @TimW I saw that too.
@rjquillin @rpstrong @Springbank yah…the RS on that Pinot especially.
Happy Thanksgiving mates!
@Winedavid49 Hope you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving!