Vacqueyras

The 2106 Vacqueyras is certainly fresh and juicy – its
fruit sourced from ten parcels and dominated by the
75 percent of tank-aged Grenache, with Syrah and
Mourvèdre providing impressive support. Herbs,
cassis and a hint of eucalypt provide the backdrop
and the ensemble is enrobed and ennobled by ripe yet
finely poised tannins. Drink 2019-2021.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

A wine of great purity and focus, with red fruits,
aniseed and hints – appropriately enough – of the
garrigue. The wine is made up of 70 percent Grenache
and 30 percent Syrah, the age of the Grenache
being at least 60-years-old. Christine describes the
fermentation process in terms of an infusion delicacy
being key and the temperature kept no higher than
28 degrees. The resulting style she describes as une
bonne amertune, the apparently bittersweet oxymoron
explained most lucidly by the wine itself. Drink
2019-2023.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

The Lopy has longer aging and a little more Syrah and Mourvèdre. Serge acknowledges that sometimes in Vacqueyras there is insufficient humidity for Mourvèdre early in the season and insufficient sunshine later on; 2012 was ideal in this respect and the variety’s distinctive savoury personality adds weight and complexity to this outstanding example.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

For Serge Férrigoule ‘biodynamie, c’est l’harmonie’, which we shall keep in French as it doesn’t have the same assonance when translated. What is more, the relatively low pH levels in the musts and wines have resulted in less need to add sulphur. Therefore, 2012 is to be a  naturally impressive vintage with real harmony but no shortage of concentration.

Sourced from six small parcels on the famous Plateau des Garrigues, the Pavane is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah from 40 year old vines. The wine displays classic notes of licorice, macerated prune and autumnal bonfires, with chewy tannins and plenty of savoury guts in reserve!
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

The evocative names of the surrounding landmarks, specifically the Plateau Des Garrigues and the Dentelles De Montmirail, provide a scenic geographical backdrop to Laurent Daniel’s vineyards. Silky elegance, real Mediterranean warmth and finely balanced tannins are the secrets to Laurent’s success, not forgetting more prosaic factors such as timely picking of the grapes and attention to detail in the winery.

This old-vine cuvée that, thankfully, does not change its name every year, is a blend of 75 percent Grenache and 25 percent Syrah. Serge maintains that Vacqueyras is not the ideal environment for Mourvèdre, although, ironically, this wine has a smoky, peaty character with powerful notes of liquorice and sous-bois behind the rich fruit – all of which are classic Mourvèdre descriptors. Be that as it may, the wine is outstanding. Drink 2020-2028. 
Simon Field MW-Wine Buyer

One of the best properties in the appellation of Vacqueyras, and certainly the best named, Le Sang des Cailloux is located on the limestone escarpment which divides the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The idiosyncrasy betrayed by Serge Férigoule's handlebar moustache reveals an approach to winemaking which is as individual as it is successful. Over the last two decades, he has done more than most to raise the profile of Vacqueyras and his property continues to be a leading light (a “phare”) in this still undervalued appellation.

Laurent’s initial anxieties about relatively low levels of acidity in the Grenache have been dispelled over the élevage period. The Vacqueyras is certainly fresh and juicy – its fruit sourced from ten parcels and dominated by the 75 percent of tank-aged Grenache. Approachable and ripe, yet discretely structured, this works very well and can be drunk in relative youth. Drink 2018-2026.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide Saint Vincent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th century origins. The unassuming Laurent Daniel never overworks his fruit and his fruit repays him with interest; a very subtle producer of supple wines. Laurent was happy with both quality and quantity in 2015–a vintage which he compares, somewhat against the trend, to 2007.

A wine of great purity and focus, with red fruits, aniseed and hints – appropriately enough – of the garrigue. The wine is made up of 70 percent Grenache and 30 percent Syrah, the age of the Grenache being at least 60 years. The tannins are very fin; the wine rounded and charming, with ripeness finely tempered and nicely managed. Drink 2018 - 2025. 
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

Christine and Eric Saurel own 70 hectares around the villages of Vacqueyras and Gigondas, all farmed in accordance with rigorous biodynamic principles. An initial modest scepticism at their almost obsessive fascination with the lunar patterns and so forth has been countered, over the years, by the sheer quality of the wines. Christine describes her goals in terms of “luminosité”, an intangible and almost ethereal term, yet one which seems strangely appropriate and is explained most eloquently by the wines themselves.