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Paradoxical and perplexing… The 2025 vintage will have shaken more than one experienced vigneron However, qualified as “Great” by some, and, according to the tradition of the last vintages ending in “5”, its surprising heterogeneity more between Northern and Southern Rhone, imposed a certain caution.
The winter, mild and humid, enabled the soil to become saturated with water and the vines built up precious water reserves.
In the spring, the generous rainfalls alternated with sudden burst of heat The memories of 2018 and 2024 vintages lingered in everyone’s minds But the experience is present: the teachings of these two years allowed the winegrowers to rigorously contain the fungal pressure. Summer is therefore approached with serenity.
And yet…the season took a turn Two periods of heatwaves hit the Rhone: the first at the end of June, the second, even more relentless, early August - suggesting the worst.
The yields were dramatically impacted, the berries shrivelled, the alcohol levels soared, whilst the phenolic maturity were slow to follow. The doubt sets in…
By some stroke of luck, as it is all too often the case these days, Mother Nature gave us some reprieve. In early September, much needed rainfalls came to revive the vines, unblocking the phenolic maturities.
Only, winegrowners willing to wait, to sort, to give up more of their small harvest, succeeded in picking grapes of remarkable quality, particularly in the Southern Rhône.
Southern Rhône:
Ripe, but never rich.
September was punctuated by relatively generous rainfalls, allowing the grapes to slowly reach their phenolic maturity. Unfortunately, around the equinoxes, there was one rainfall too many For the vineyards located in the late-ripening areas, the sanitary balance became more precarious Forcing the vignerons to accelerate harvest and operate under the constraints of arbitrary choices.
But, rest assured, this does not remove the charming and undeniable character of this Vintage. The wines are balanced and juicy. Their drinkability and finesse seduce immediately.
Plateau de Sarrians, la Ponche
Ageing10 months in one and two old barrels.
Then 10 months in foudre Stockinger
1/2 not destemmed
14°C
14,5%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesGrenache : 70 % Syrah : 30 %
Showcases silky-textured lushness and ripe fruit, offering blackberry and anise notes filigreed with baking spices and subtle toastiness. A foundation of graphite gives this shape, and juicy acidity drives the energy through the long, mineral-tinged finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2027
Wine Spectator
, 91/100
, 2025-02-28
Solaire au nez, le vacqueyras 2023 est un vin suave, au souffle chaud, avec une pointe de virilité.
La Revue du Vin de France
, 90/100
, 2025-09-01
Focused, dense and packed with flavors, this shows dark plums, dried herbs and cassis liqueur on the nose. Full-bodied with ripe tannins. Flavorful, with sweet cherries on the palate and a persistent finish.
James Suckling
, 92/100
, 2026-01-19
Based on 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre and aged 24 months in old barrels and foudres, the 2023 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes has a more elegant, perfumed, nuanced style. Medium-bodied and balanced, it has soft tannins and shows lots of Rhône character in its red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with pepper and flowery garrigue notes. It's going to evolve gracefully for 8-10 years.
Jeb Dunnuck
, 93/100
, 2026-01-17