Domaine de la Verde Vacqueyras Ora 2020
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Suckling
James -
Dunnuck
Jeb
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This wine is a result of a selection of the best plots. Each vineyard plot as well as each grape variety is vinified on its own and undergoes a long, gentle maceration in a concrete vat. Part of the Syrah and Mourvèdre wines then spend a year in oak barrels before blending and bottling. A deep purple color, this wine has powerful aromas of blue fruits, violets, exotic flowers and blood orange. It is pure and elegant, with good length and serious aging potential.
Recommended by its creators with duck breast filet with honey sauce.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
In spite of the considerable richness, this has a fresh and animating side. Even the plum character comes off as lively rather than dark and heavy. Self-confidently dry with a stack of healthy tannins on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Cocoa power and grilled fennel at the long, nervy finish. A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A more modern style wine, the 2020 Vacqueyras Ora is 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre that saw 35% of the blend brought up in barrel, with the balance in tank. This medium-bodied, nicely balanced, enjoyable 2020 has solid red and black fruits, some sappy garrigue, leather, and pepper notes, juicy acidity, and a solid finish. It's clearly well-made and will keep for 7-8 years or more.
Other Vintages
2021-
Suckling
James
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Dunnuck
Jeb -
Enthusiast
Wine
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Dunnuck
Jeb
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.