2018 Domaine de la Charbonnière Vacqueyras

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 92 points

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  12/18/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 92 Points

  This deep ruby wine is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Vinturi-decanted and consumed over two hours, it requires an hour to unfurl its aromatic array of blackberry and boysenberry fruit that is accented with licorice, garrigue, clove and holiday spice cake. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-proportioned wood, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and stays solid on the middle palate. The flavors are wrapped with mid-weight, silky-textured tannins and the wine's lofty 15.5% alcohol can be fully tamed by serving at the appropriate temperature of 60-65°F. Medium-to-long and smooth on the finish, this is an impressive Vacqueyras that should be at its best over the next 5-6 years. Drink now-2027.

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  12/14/2021 - Jon Harrison Likes this wine: 92 Points

  (Imported by Grape Expectations). This producer is based in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Eugene Maret bought Domaine Charbonniere in 1912. Now run by sisters Veronique and Caroline Maret. This fruit is from their vineyard in Vacqueyras, one of the 8 "crus" of the Cotes du Rhone villages, along with Gigondas.
  
  Organic viticulture. Very good, warm vintage. 60% Grenache/40% Syrah
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  Color: Medium-dark ruby.
  
  Nose: Perfumey, luscious, deep dark pool of cherry/wild herb confiture, cherry pie. With notes of violets, licorice, and Vaucluse spice. This is exceptional.
  
  Pal: Full bodied, mouth-filling, intense, essence of cherry fruit. Concentrated with great energy in the mouth. Moderate tannins, with the slightly bitter-cherry finish typical of Vacqueyras. 15.5% alc.
  
  92 solid.
  Drinks great now. This will hold until 2026/28 (in a cool cellar.)
  
  JGH sommelier CMS-III, San Francisco, CA.

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  8/12/2021 - gtilley wrote:

  Very smart indeed. Some initial fizziness on the front of the palate dispersed with extended decanting. Then there was a fine array of typical southern rhone character, with burnt caramel, treacle, coffee, jam, liquorice and a persistent fresh acidity to it. Very enjoyable.

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