Domaine du Terme Vacqueyras 2018
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Enthusiast
Wine -
Panel
Tasting -
Dunnuck
Jeb
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Black cherry, licorice, and a subtle hint of tar lead to fine, polished tannins.
Ideal pairing with baked camembert, braised lamb, Persian pomegranate walnut stew.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Charred black pepper and violets perfume this floral, deeply concentrated blend of Grenache (80%) and Syrah (20%). Sourced from clay limestone soils and vinified with no oak influence, it’s ripe but bristles with minerality and vitality. Especially delicious young, it should drink at peak through 2028. The finish lingers on a delicate anise kiss. Shiverick Imports. Editors’ Choice.
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Tasting Panel
This smooth and lush expression of Syrah comes from one of the Rhône Valley’s best appellations, though it’s lesser known. Rich, ripe, and juicy; fresh and spicy, long and balanced.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Cut from the same cloth as the 2017, the 2018 Vacqueyras is the same 80/20 split of Grenache and Syrah that was mostly destemmed and brought up in concrete tanks. Classic notes of ground pepper, new leather, garrigue, and meaty, licorice-laced fruit all give way to a medium-bodied, balanced, satisfying barrel sample. It’s ideal for drinking on release and over the following 5-7 years or so. Range: 88-90
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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.