Chateau des Tours (Reynaud) Vacqueyras 2011
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Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The pale ruby and bricking 2011 Vacqueyras is a silken wonder, weaving together gossamer notes of dried cherries, stone fruit, leather and spice. It weighs in at a labeled strength of 15% alcohol, yet seems light and airy on the palate, adding hints of salted licorice and orange zest on the long, intense, yet delicate finish. Given its slightly advanced color and rather delicate style, I suggest drinking it over the next few years, although these wines often show an uncanny ability to remain at their plateau of maturity much longer than you might expect.
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.