Domaine de la Charbonniere Vacqueyras 2016 (750ML)

92 VM / 90-92 WA / 89-91 JD

(fermented in tronconic oak vats and aged in barriques and demi-muids, most of them used) Deep brilliant ruby. Dark berries, cherry cola, licorice and exotic spices on the highly perfumed nose. Intense blackberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors unfold slowly and turn sweeter with aeration. Finishes very long and chewy, with resonating spice and floral notes and steadily building, well-knit tannins. JR – Vinous Media

From the estate's vineyards near Sarrians, the 2016 Vacqueyras had yet to be bottled at the time of my June visit. It's full-bodied and creamy textured, with lovely raspberry and dried spice nuances. JC – The Wine Advocate

Moving to the reds, neither of the 2016 Vacqueyras were bottled. The 2016 Vacqueyras checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that was brought up in a mix of wood tanks and stainless steel. This juicy, medium to full-bodied, elegant 2016 gives up classic notes of spices, garrigue, iron, and assorted dark fruits. I love its complexity as well as its elegance. Jeb Dunnuck