|
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More
We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more.
"The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way."
"The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well.
Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. |
|
|
The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate, delivering a powerful yet refined expression of Vacqueyras. A blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre grown on marl, clay and calcareous sand soils, it offers up a deeply aromatic bouquet of crushed violets, wild spices, Timut pepper and ripe black fruits. Full-bodied and layered, it’s built around a dense, fleshy core of fruit, framed by velvety tannins and energized by a bright spine of acidity. Despite its concentration, the wine never feels heavy, concluding with a saline, ethereal finish that speaks to its underlying finesse. This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential.
94+ points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Oct 2025)
Eyebrows raised all around when we tasted Eric Boutelin’s 2022 Restanques Vacqueyras. Cutting right to the chase, it’s a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way. Reticent notes of hot stones, fine dried herbs, and deep, dark fruit line the bouquet, very captivating yet restrained, tinged by hot asphalt, peppery spices, and dried violets. The palate is a picture of precision, its exceptional weight carried by wonderfully balanced, assertive yet finessed tannins and pinpoint acidity. The flavors take some coaxing, but that same depth from the nose is there in spades. Brooding dark fruits, earthy soil tones, iron, wild game, and fine floral accents come in well-defined succession to a lasting finish. It’s obvious this wine has some serious evolution in store. It’s absolutely enjoyable now for its undeniably classic personality, but it will become truly exceptional after several years in the cellar, especially considering the price.
94 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Rhone Buyer (Nov 2025)
Top Quality Store
