Domaine Palon Vacqueyras 2021

Cooked Black Cherry, Red Currant Jam, Menthol, Herbs de Provence, Dried Black Figs

Domaine Palon is located at the foot of the “Dentelles de Montmirail” on the gentle mid-slope of Gigondas. This is a very small domaine with only 18 acres in Gigondas and 11 in neighboring Vacqueyras. The Palon family has been vignerons since the 1930’s but did not bottle under their own name until 2003, when Sebastian Palon took the reins. He is the 4th generation of this family to farm their land and also shows great skill in the cellar.

The village of Vacqueyras lies in the valley between Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Palon’s wine is a blend of 75% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre and 9% Syrah. At this domaine all of the Grenache is fermented and aged in stainless steel, the other varieties in 5000 liter, oak foudre. The Vacqueyras is surprisingly spry, with aromas of fresh cherries and red plums, accented by sage, thyme and licorice. The feel in the mouth is a bit more plush than the nose indicates, with broad fruit stretching out into a long, barely tannic, finish. Think of this as bigger Côtes du Rhône, suitable for stew or a stuffed leg of lamb.