2022 Domaine de la Ganse Vacqueyras

The 2022 Vacqueyras is a ripe, fruit-forward effort offering plenty of immediate appeal. Classic notes of red and black fruit, plum, sweet garrigue, and incense all emerge from the glass, with subtle hints of leather and orange zest adding complexity. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, it has a supple mouthfeel, fine tannins, and solid length. A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, brought up entirely in concrete, it’s an accessible, pleasure-bent Vacqueyras that should drink well over the coming 4-6 years.

The delightful Coralie Onde is always one of my favorite visits when I am in the Rhône. Her enthusiasm and pixie-ish charm is infectious and I leave our meetings always sad that we didn't get more time together. Luckily, whenever I open one of her bottles of Vacqueyras, it's like I am there with her, where she's showing off her vineyards, her bustling village or walking me through her humble cellar. Vacqueyras fruit always has a nice density to it, leaning to the deeper red fruit characteristics of Grenache and Syrah. The vineyards sit on a plateau and get nice sun intensity. Surrounded by forests which help cool some of the vines, they contribute those garrigue notes, along with pipe tobacco and white pepper. Lots of redcurrants, raspberry and mulberries on the palate make for a lightly bold but never over-the-top style. This Vacqueyras is not just reflective of the region but also the charming personality that made it, Coralie!