Crous St Martin Vacqueyras “Les Volutes”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Sourced mostly from vines growing on the plains of Vacqueyras, which sit on sand, clay, gravel, and stones. This gives the typicity of the wine ; structure, power depth.
- The remainder of vines used, less typical, but bringing an extra dimension to the wine, are the vineyards growing on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmrail, bringing finesse on the nose and mid-palate.
Varietal Composition: 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault
Elaboration: Hand harvested grapes. 30 day steel vat vinification at up to 28°C, cap punching, a little pumping over, mostly aged in stainless, with a small portion in used 228-litre oak casks raised 15 months. Unfined, unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Silky ruby color. Floral nose, which develops towards aromas of blackberries and baking spices. Refined freshness. Long.
PRESS
2016 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck
2017 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck | 92 Vinous
2018 – 92 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 89-91 Jeb Dunnuck
2020 – 92 Decanter | 90 Jeb Dunnuck
2022 – 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck | 87-90 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
An overnight blockbuster for us immediately upon arrival two vintages back, Crous St Martin is a collaboration between Rhone expert Harry Bosmans and Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. Harry is a household name amongst quality growers in the Rhone Valley and an invaluable resource thanks to his skill on both the production side and on the sales side. Eric’s family has been growing grapes in the north-east corner of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation for three generations now, with 120 acres of vines in their name. Eric’s father began to make wines at Bastide Saint Dominique in 1980, quickly establishing the property as an elite player in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Eric, now 39 years old, spent his early winemaking years up North in Burgundy, and that influence still shows in the delicate balance he is able to achieve between power and detail.