Domaine La Bouissiere Vacqueyras 2019

Domaine La Bouissière is best known as one of Gigondas's finest estates, but its Vacqueyras — drawn from 6.5 acres across the plateau — is a wine that deserves equal attention in its own right. Brothers Thierry and Gilles Faravel approach viticulture with mountaineer's conviction, staking their claim on higher-altitude vineyards in the shadow of the Dentelles de Montmirail where cooler temperatures and demanding limestone and clay soils produce wines of uncommon freshness for the Southern Rhône. The Vacqueyras is assembled from two distinct plateau parcels — Bel Air, which contributes ripe, youthful and vibrant fruit, and La Ponche, which brings the rich, purple depth of the appellation with notes of tar and licorice — a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre vinified as naturally as possible, raised in a combination of tank and older barrels, and seldom fined or filtered.

Deep purple in colour, the nose expresses aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and notes of tobacco; on the palate complemented by spicy and peppery flavour enhanced by an imposing yet succulent tannic structure. For a wine of such density it is incredibly light and bright on the palate — the balance between depth of fruit, lifting acidity and herby smokiness is perfect. Aromas of black fruits, lavender and wild herbs lead to flavours of black raspberries and light smoke, with smooth tannins and baking spices — a wine that captures the essential character of Vacqueyras without any of the heaviness the appellation can sometimes court.