SOLD OUT! Have I mentioned that the 2016 Southern Rhones are epic? Of course I have and the 2016 Montirius Vacqueyras Garrigues is a rocking-good blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah.
Here’s a wine that truly showcases the way that man/woman and nature can work together to create something truly special. I bought all 15 cases my distributor had in stock, and I suspect this will be gone in no time.
2016 Domaine Montirius Vacqueyras Garrigues
93 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94+ points Yours Truly
SOLD OUT
Of all the prized villages of the Southern Rhone, Vacqueyras gets the least respect. But that is changing due to vignerons like Eric and Christine Saurel at Domaine Montirius. This small village, just east of Chateauneuf du Pape and south of Gigondas, gained AOC status in 1990. And when care and attention are paid, as is the case at Montirius, wonderful wines can be produced. This is one of them.
The Saurels were some of the first to estate-bottle their wines in 1996. And Eric is the fifth generation of his family to tend vines in the village. Their vineyards have been certified organic since 1990 and certified biodynamic since 1999. All of their wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts and made entirely in large cement vats. Zero oak influence here. Purity is paramount to the Saurels and pure deliciousness is abundant here.
A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah from vines averaging 65 years of age, this is a deep, strong and sensual red wine. Boasting savory notes of rosemary, lavender and thyme wrapped around raspberry and blackberry fruit, this is silky, perfumed, and balanced. With air, all sorts of other aromas and flavors arise. Drink this robust and hearty red now and over the next 10 years.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate called it “a strong effort, boasting hints of garrigue that accent raspberry and chocolate notes.” And Wine Spectator said it’s “silky and perfumed, with alluring raspberry, rooibos tea and dried anise notes swirling through.” What the hell is rooibos tea??? Whatever, this stuff is gorgeous. A perfect red to pair with your favorite lamb preparation, this is fantastic Southern Rhone discovery. At less than $30, it’s a good deal but at less than $25, it’s a stupid-good deal.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville