JM ARNOUX VIEUX CLOCHER VACQUEYRAS (ORGANIC)

Marc and Jean-Francois Arnoux are the newest generation at this traditional Domaine that sits next door to the old Vacqueyras church.

The family’s history in Vacqueyras dates back to 1731, and vineyard holdings are now 100 acres in total, with additional volume supplemented with growing partners who have supplied the family for decades.  The family property extends over the plateau of the Garrigues in the west of the appellation, extending to Chateauneuf du Pape. Essentially constituted by clay-red limestone soils with river rocks (galets). Its great particularity lies in its galets, which release the heat stored during the day, thus allowing the grapes to ripen optimally. These soils are favorable to low yields of grapes with a high concentration of tannins and aromas.

Deep purple color with mauve highlights and its powerful fruity fragrances sprinkled with spice. All the intensity of the nose may be found in mouth, on a background structured by healthy tannins full of masculinity and packed in a full body. The finish is long and opens some late pepper touches that define its specificity.

90 points Vinous:  Deep ruby. Powerful dark berry, licorice, and cola aromas unfold slowly with air, taking on hints of cracked pepper and herbs. Chewy and tightly focused, offering bitter cherry and blackberry flavors and a touch of earthiness. Building tannins add grip to the nicely persistent finish, which echoes the licorice and cherry notes. All foudres.

70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre