Patrick Lesec Vacqueyras Grenache Blend 2016
This grenache-driven fancy Francey is a faceful of spicy red fruits, wrapped up in asphalt and molasses. Bright but brooding. The palate, on the other hand, goes straight to black and blue fruit territory. The tannins are pretty wonderful, fine but structural, long and only drying to the extent that they carry the fruit slowly further down your thirsty throat. Wonderful, teeth-staining stuff. Decant and enjoy.
Profile
Reviews
The Wine Advocate
“Sourced primarily from the village of Sarrians, the 2016 Vacqueyras is an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah that was fermented with approximately 60% whole clusters. Full-bodied and supple, it showcases wild blackberries and hints of chocolate in its lush, delicious flavors, picking up hints of dried spices on the long finish. It should drink well for 4-5 years.”
Full price $64.00 from the winery on 29 July 2019.
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Specs
- Region
- Rhone Valley
- Vintage
- 2016
- Cellaring
- 2030
- Preservatives
- Sulphites
- Alcohol by Vol.
- 14.0%
- Closure
- Cork
- Bottle Vol
- 750mL
- Blend Info
- 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
- Serving Temp.
- 17.0°C
Tasting
From the producer
With 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this avant Garde style of Vacqueyras offers almost mystical and layered notes of nutmeg, dried figs, blackcurrants, the mouth is ample with already rounded tannins, long finish with hints of dried fruits and liquorice.
Region
Rhone Valley
The Rhône Valley is a dichotomous beast. The North is ruled by Syrah (=Shiraz), with or without a touch of Viognier for perfume, while in the South you'll find all matter of blends such as those of Chateauneuf du Pape (about thirteen varieties in these on average, at last count...) and the origins of the GSM (heard of Côtes du Rhône?). The Northern Rhône is Australia's ultimate sparring partner in the 'we say Shiraz, you say Syrah' fencing match. With such famous names as Côtes-Rôtie, Gigondas and Crozes-Hermitage (remember when Grange was called Hermitage...?), you can bet your bottom dollar - and the few hundred that go with it - that you'll need to be ticking off a few of the better ones before you kick it. Don't discount the whites though. Some of the finest whites you'll ever try come from Condrieu (the most sensual Viognier you'll try, at a price), and the lesser (in cost, at least) blends, often based on Grenache Blanc or Viognier. And watch out for dry, Rhône rose - it's become so popular that the industry bodies are warning the region not to over-produce. Look out Kiwi Sav Blanc!
The rules are there ain’t no rules, but here are some foods we think will work pretty well with this wine...
Goes with
Traditional roast lamb
Ingredients
- 2kg leg of lamb, fat trimmed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1.5kg chat potatoes
- Basic gravy (makes 2 to 2 1/2 cups):
- 2 cups beef stock
- 3/4 cup red wine
- 2 1/2 tablespoons plain flour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Lightly grease roasting pan. Place lamb in pan. Combine oil, rosemary and garlic in a bowl. Rub half the oil mixture over lamb. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Roast lamb, basting with remaining oil mixture every 20 minutes, for 1 hour 15 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking. Add potatoes to pan for last 40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
- Remove lamb from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Stand for 10 minutes. Carve. Serve with potatoes.
- Basic Gravy: Transfer meat (and any vegetables) to a plate to rest. Combine stock and wine in a jug. Skim fat from roasting pan, leaving 1 1/2 tablespoons pan juices and fat in pan. Place pan over high heat. Add flour. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture bubbles and becomes golden. Add juices from resting meat. Slowly add stock mixture to pan, stirring constantly. Cook, scraping pan, for 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.
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