Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Le Bouquet des Garrigues 2020

Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Le Bouquet des Garrigues 202075% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvdre, Carignan and Counoise from 50 year old vines, yielding only 30 hl ha. This fruit all comes from the lieu dit of Les Garrigues Nord which adjoins Coudoulet in the northern part of Chateauneuf du Pape (where Chateau Beaucastel is located). Hand picked and hand sorted, then natural yeast fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks, with 5% whole bunches included. Cuvaison lasts 30 days with

75% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, Carignan and Counoise from 50 year-old vines, yielding only 30 hl/ha. This fruit all comes from the lieu-dit of Les Garrigues Nord which adjoins Coudoulet in the northern part of Chateauneuf du Pape (where Chateau Beaucastel is located). Hand-picked and hand-sorted, then natural-yeast fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks, with 5% whole bunches included. Cuvaison lasts 30 days with extraction via pumpover and delestage (rack and return). Matured for 14 months in 50% old foudres (1000 L) and demi-muids (600 L) and 50% concrete tanks.

‘Still maturing in a mix of foudres and wooden cuves at the time of my visit, the 2020 Cotes du Rhone Le Bouquet des Garrigues—a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvèdre—boasts vibrant aromas of lavender and ripe red raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, smooth, silky and complex. Drink 2022-2030.’ (90-93) points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, May 2022.