2020 La Reserve Saint Dominique Vacqueyras [JD90] WINE

Producer: La Reserve Saint Dominique  
Region: Vacqueyras, Rhone, France  
Blend: 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault  
Year: 2020  

Retail Price: $25.00 
Our Price: $14.99*  

Vinous refers to Vacqueyras as the Southern Rhone’s stealth appellation.  It’s one of the newest appellations in Southern Rhone and is neighbors to both Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  It’s known for providing excellent value alternatives to Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Vacqueyras and its wines continue to fly under the radar, but this is likely to change soon given the consistently fine value these wines offer and the uniformly high quality of recent vintages.  Vacqueyras wines are robust and rustic in style combining delicate aromas with intense fruit and a bright, crisp texture.  These are wines packed with a lot of amazing character that won’t break the bank.  Underrated (and in most cases, happily underpriced) Vacqueyras is an appellation whose wines, at their best, can rival top-notch Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  La Reserve Saint Dominique was created by winemaker Eric Bonnet to create a breath of fresh air for traditional winemaking in the Rhone.  Bonnnet is a legend in the winemaking world.  He’s been praised to the skies by Robert Parker.  Parker has also been delighted with La Reserve Saint Dominique for bringing a fresh touch to Rhone wines.  The 2020 La Reserve Saint Dominique Vacqueyras is an excellent value.  It’s medium-bodied with a long finish.  This Rhone red has notes of violet, peony, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper.  It’s beautiful now, but will cellar well for a number of years.  Enjoy! 

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points 

“Lots of ripe red and black berry fruits as well as Provençal garrigue notes emerge from the 2020 Vacqueyras, a round, medium-bodied, beautifully fruited 2020 that’s already in bottle. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years.” 

Winemaker Notes: 

“Brilliant ruby ​​color. Very flattering nose of violet, peony then blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry. On aeration, we perceive notes of cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. The attack offers a nice freshness, melted in the richness of a fruity substance. The finish is long and subtle with a hint of licorice.” 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.