2020 Vacqueyras

The 2020 Vacqueyras is infused with jammy red fruits and pairs gamey, leathery and spicy subtleties. Flamboyant and structured, this full-bodied powerhouse is made in a bold style. This 2020 red has a whooping 15.5% alcohol, surprisingly well-integrated, with a long, juicy finish.

Based on a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah that was brought up mostly in demi-muids, the 2020 Vacqueyras Tradition has a great nose of mulled red and black cherries, licorice, and savory garrigue. With medium to full-bodied richness, a round, seamless mouthfeel, and velvety tannins, this is a no-brainer purchase that will drink nicely for 7-8 years, if not a decade.

The Maret family is known for the top Châteauneuf du Pape, but they also make some brilliant Vacqueyras. Their 2020 Vacqueyras is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah, and it has lots of darker fruits and peppery herb aromatics to go with a medium to full-bodied profile on the palate. This is a lively, elegant vintage for the Southern Rhône, and it shows in this wine’s elegance and freshness.