Florent and Damien Burle’s superb Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cotes-du-Rhone cuvees are perennial favorites in these pages. Burle’s 2017 Vacqueyras – a blend of Grenache (75%) and Syrah – reflects an opaque black-plum color followed by a bouquet of plum skin, licorice, black olive paste, cured meats, black pepper, and garrigue. The wine then stains the palate with deep, soulful expressions of boysenberries, licorice, and black cherries framed by cheek-dusting tannins and savory notes of menthol, peppercorns, lavender, and allspice. Chewy black cherry fruit, black licorice, and star anise notes mark the wine’s long, energetic finish. As with entire range of wines from the Burle portfolio, their 2017 Vacqueyras La Muse is traditionally crafted, old-school, and an incredible value. In fact, we nominate this as Burle’s finest Vacqueyras yet, and a terrific choice to partner now or over the coming decade with roast leg of lamb, ratatouille, and recipes favoring rosemary and fresh garlic.
Sustainably farmed.
A January 2020 newsletter selection
