Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers

This one was delicious and ready. Short decant only.

18 months since the last bottle and forewarned is forearmed, I decanted it 10 hours ahead. It is still chewy, but at least the tannins are not a problem with these precautions. I was able to get down to enjoying it. My guest enjoyed it too.

After the prior experience, I double-decanted 5 hours ahead, but it still wasn't enough. But at least with this precaution it was nice the second day, rather than having to wait for third day. The back-label says drink within 10 years. It is mistaken.

A curious experience. Utterly lovely on day 3, rather over-tannic before that. I once had a case of Cazaux Gigondas Sarrazine from about 1996, iirc. I've never forgotten the name Sarrazine, but I'd forgotten it was from Cazaux. If I had remembered it, I never would have bought this Vacqueyras. That Sarrazine was so ferociously tannic, so uniquely and searingly so, that it is stuck in my memory. Though, to be fair, it did eventually come around, though after waiting …

impressive nose that welcomes you with southern warmt of smoke, bramble, spices and even some warm tarmac. A bit of funk which I like lingers through. The palate offers thick Grenache fruits, gravel, earth, laurel, licorice, peppercorn combined with a good matching acidity. The finish is pretty long and shows a mineral touch. How the noble rot shows I don't know, maybe the concentrated fruit section? nothing to complain then? Well... a small bit of peppery heat, but hey its …

Very good velvety GSM with spice notes, much up on the already enjoyable 2012. The latter was more tapenade perhaps, this one is just velvet blue-black fruit and smooth tannins. Excellent with lamb shoulder braised (UK meaning) in chunks in olive oil, white wine, cloves, cinnamon.

Grenache-Syrah blend that punches well above its price point. Very enjoyable.

Glass-coatingly rich and intense. Raspberry, herbs, black pepper, currants, meat, earth, ash, tar, sage, and fig on the nose. It is alcoholic, tannic (smooth), and pruny, and it is delicious. The finish is long with such intensity. Great balance.

From magnum. Over dinner, no formal notes. Structure still a little firm, good acidity, generous fruit, medium depth and length. Drink or keep. 89-91

Med garnet. Med+ intensity. Red plum, red cherry, dried herbs, jam compote. Dried fruit, prune, earthy, mushroom, chocolate, coffee, caramel. Med+ acidity. Med+ ripe, firm tannin. High alcohol. Full body. Jammier on the palate. Long. D3

Rather flat or heavy start. Ok finish. No offensive moments. We drank with red pasta. A fine table wine. It drank better with the meal and after breathing.

Opened this wine after discarding a flawed 2015 Gigondas to serve with a roasted leg of lamb. I was very disappointed, this wine was full bodied with aromas of dark fruit and earthy forest. Tannins were strong and bitter and overwhelmed the fruit. Could not finish the bottle.

By the bottle at Reluctant Panther in Manchester, VT. Nose is dark and concentrated, almost port-like with notes of savory herbs and a hint of olives, but not fat or hot all. Smells very classy. Palate is equally classy, definitely powerful but still light on its feet. Ripe cherries and blackberries, bright and fresh herbs, very savory. There is a slight raisin note on the bed but in a way that adds complexity rather than detracts front he wine. Strong, …

(Imported by Kysela, VA). Sustainable viticulture. 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Vine age: 30-50 years (min). No oak. Unfined. Light filtration. ________________ Color: Dark ruby. (Impressive). Nose: Classic dark toned Vacqueyras. A little shy at first, but still, attractive nose of dried black cherry (a little candied at first), garrigue spices, black olive, with a touch of violet. Palate: Full body. But not heavy. Nice complexity and flavor intensity. Blk raspberry/dried cherry, and garrigue spice flavors. Solid, slightly rustic …

The 2015 Vacqueyras Cuvée des Templiers (50% Grenache & 50% Syrah) impresses with its stellar balance and sense of freshness. Crushed raspberry, blackberry, black pepper and dried herbs protrude on both the nose and in the mouth, and there is good structure and impressive length. This tasty effort can be enjoyed now and in the coming 5-6 years.