2022 Domaine de Fondrèche Ventoux Rouge

he big black fruit has excellent youthful freshness and the tannins are enough to give this full-bodied Rhone red a very clear line, but are not in the least dominant. A touch of tar and soot add interest to this bold wine. Long, firm finish with a hint of stony character. A cuvee of grenache, syrah and mourvedre from organically grown grapes. Matured in a mix of foudres and eggs. (SP)

Mont Ventoux may be more famous to the broader public as one of the toughest legs on the Tour de France. But that mountain, which is the highest point and visible across most of the Southern Rhone, is a huge influence on its namesake appellation Ventoux. The alluvial soils have flowed down into the valley informing Fondreche's remarkable terroir. Fondreche easily ranks as a best-in-class performer in this region, ranking as one of my top three producers from vintage to vintage. From top-to-bottom, the entry level wines like this Ventoux Rouge, all the way up to their parcel and old-vine selected tete de cuvee wines - all are worth pursuing. The Fondreche rouge opens immediately with its briary red-fruited nose showing layers of raspberry and red plum notes. The peppery tobacco notes envelope the wine giving all those savory flavors that make Rhone wines like this so appealing. Beautifully balanced, this wine delivers the goods every year, and the 2022 is surely another stride forward on that climb up Mont Ventoux.