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2016 Domaine du Bois de Saint Jean La Ballade des Angles (1.5L)

Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France

2016 Domaine du Bois de Saint Jean La Ballade des Angles
B-21 Top Recommendation
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Vacqueryras sits between two of the Southern Rhone's greats, Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas. Its wines are stylistically compared to that of Gigondas and most certainly vins de garde. Both Gigondas and Vacqueryras share the terroir influence of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail which rise behind the village of Gigondas to the east. These dentelles are a slab of Jurassic limestone pushed vertical and since eroded in to a lace or French dentelle and gracing these two regions. It is after all it is this limestone that gives both Gigondas and Vacqueryras unique characteristics adding aromatic lift, intensity and a driving finish.

The family Angles, grape farmers in since 1910, four generations have worked in Vacqueryras, made the move to create their own domaine in 1986, to no longer sell their grapes - Domaine du Bois de Saint Jean. The family's 11 acre flagship vineyard "La Ballade des Angles" exceeds forty years in age and produces textbook Vacqueryras. Another stellar Rhone bargain from the glorious 2016 vintage. Rarely does this superb bottling get out of France.

94WA
93JD
93V

Undoubtedly one of the top Vacqueyras of the vintage, the 2016 Vacqueyras la Ballade des Angles is a 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in stainless steel. Notes of garrigue and yellow cherries come together in plush, creamy waves. It's full-bodied and supple yet seems light on its feet, and it doesn't show any overt warmth. Long and nuanced on the finish, it should drink well for at least 6-7 years.

94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Issue # 239 - Oct 2018)

The 2016 Vacqueyras La Ballade des Anglès is a blockbuster blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that readers should snatch up. Cassis, blackberry, forest floor, and garrigue aromatics, full body, ripe, polished tannin, and a great finish all make for one seriously beautiful Vacqueyras. This balanced, elegant, yet powerful wine will drink nicely for a decade or more.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2018)

Deep ruby. Intense, mineral-laced red berry preserve and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied lavender and star anise. Seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors underscored by a zesty mineral flourish. Smoothly marries power and finesse and finishes impressively long and floral, with well-integrated tannins building slowly.

93 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (Nov 2018)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.0%
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$59.98
This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 03/22/21. 28 bottles available.

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