2011 Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras, Rhone Valley

Chateau des Tours is the family estate of Emmanuel Raynaud, fourth generation of wine growers who took over from his father at Château des Tours in 1997 and also at the famous Chateau Rayas after the death of his uncle Jacques Reynaud. His wines are based upon very old Grenache vines, giving wines of little colour but great intensity of aroma and flavour.

Comprising Grenache (80%) and Syrah (20%), the 2011 Vacqueyras is bright red. Intensely perfumed aromas of red fruit preserves, smoky minerals and peppery spices, with a lively mineral overtone. Bright and sharply focused, offering intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors lifted by an exotic touch of blood orange. Finishes with sweet, silky tannins that fade quickly into the wine's juicy fruit. Distinctly elegant, in the style of the house and winemaker.