Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Cuvee St Roch 2021

Where the Cuvée des Templiers is the domaine's more muscular, Syrah-driven statement, the Cuvée Saint Roch is Le Clos des Cazaux's more generous and expressive face of Vacqueyras — rooted in the appellation's Grenache tradition while carrying real complexity and depth. The cuvée is made from vines between 30 and 60 years old situated at the entry of the estate, on slopes of sandstone and Miocene marl with clay-limestone and sandy-clay soils — terroir that recurs identically each year across the same selection of parcels. The blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre is traditional for Vacqueyras; each variety is vinified separately to ensure perfect maturity, with partial destemming, fermentation in stainless steel, and a maceration of around four weeks before 18 months in concrete tanks — no oak at any stage. WinehogWinehog

Gorgeous Provençal aromatics of black cherries, garrigue, spice, and assorted street market-like goodness — medium-bodied with a pure, layered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, moderate acidity, and a great finish. Rich and complex on the nose with aromas of red fruits, pepper and cocoa; on the palate lovely red fruits and pepper coated in firm but fine tannins giving way to a delightful fresh finish.