Vacqueyras 2007 (12x75cl)

Zoom	Vins rouges Vintage : 2007 a case : 180 € a bottle : 15 €

HONORS :Rated 91-93 by Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #181, Feb 2009),

BLEND : Grenache 60%, Syrah 30%, Mourvèdre 10%. Hand harvested with systematic eraflage . Average yields are under 35 hl per hectare.

WINE MAKING: Our philosophy of wine making is generally the same: First of all we take a lot of care choosing the date of harvest, with daily analysis of grapes to avoid not perfectly ripe grapes, therefore no "green" defect in our wines. A first extraction of the tannins of dandruff takes place during a small week, in controlled temperature (around 10°C / 50°F), before fermentation, for silky and elegant tannins. Then the second extraction, with presence of alcohol, lasts 3 - 4 weeks. Finally, ageing takes place for 1/3 in tanks and 2/3 in barrels (1/3 new, 1/3 one wine, 1/3 two wines).

TASTING NOTES :

Courtesy of  Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

 “The prodigious, full-bodied 2007 Vacqueyras boasts a deep ruby/plum/purple color along with dazzling levels of blackberry and kirsch fruit interwoven with notions of licorice, camphor, and scorched earth. It possesses remarkable intensity and purity as well as a skyscraper-like mouthfeel. Consume it over the next 10+ years.

An exciting discovery during my recent tastings in the Rhone Valley, a brilliant blend of 60%Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre from low yields, and what appears to be impeccable winemaking.”

More general about Wine Advocate’s ratings between 90 and 100: 90-100 is equivalent to an A and is given only for an outstanding or special effort. Wines in this category are the very best produced of their type. There is a big difference between a 90 and 99, but both are top marks. As you will note through the text, there are few wines that actually make it into this top category because there are not many great wines.

SERVICE : serve at 14°C (57°F) with game, grilled red meats and sauce meats, spicy food, cheese...

AGEING: Pleasant as of end 2009, it will be good untill 2020 if stored in a good cellar.

Alcohol: 14,8% - Sugar: 3,4 g/l - Acidity:3,4 - PH:3,7

IC (colouring intensity): 10,5 (the minimum for Châteauneuf-du-Pape is... 4!)