2016 Cotes du Ventoux La Quintessence Vieilles Vignes

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2016 Ventoux Quintessence continues the success of this cuvée, delivering dark layers of cola, dried spices and plummy fruit. It's full-bodied and plush, with a substantial 40% of new barrels, but it's balanced by 30% of the wine being aged in concrete, giving it richness without being overwhelmingly oaky. The bright, fresh finish seems to guarantee at least 5-8 years of longevity.

Syrah, Grenache. Cask sample. Violets, dark black cherry liqueur. Fine tannin, ripe fruit on the palate. Smooth and balanced but not very complex. (RH)

Lastly, the Syrah dominated cuvee (there’s 20% Grenache) is the 2016 Ventoux Cuvee Quintessence. It’s another deep purple colored wine that has terrific purity in its black and blue fruits, ground pepper, olive and graphite aromas and flavors. Deep, rich and full-bodied, with beautiful polish to its tannin, this beauty will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 15-20 years of overall longevity. This family-run estate is unquestionably one of the reference point estates for the Ventoux appellation. These are serious wines, at great prices, and readers need to jump on these before the prices catch up with the quality.