”on another level, and I’d unquestionably put the Domaine up with the crème de la crème” - Jeb Dunnuck

“One of my favorite estates in the Southern Rhône.” - Robert Parker

A bucket list wine!

We’ve been dreaming of the day this wine landed in the warehouse. Today is that day! Lovers of big, ripe, Chateauneuf (or any other such hedonistic reds) must taste this one. 93 POINTS! Under $30!

Domaine de la Charbonnière has built a legendary status for their Châteauneuf-du-Papes. But Wine Advocate gives Rhône lovers a hot tip; “Don’t neglect the wines being produced from the family’s 20 hectares in the Sarrians sector of Vacqueyras, which boasts clay-and-galets soils not dissimilar from certain parts of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”

The only difference?

Vacqueyras costs around HALF of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With 40% off you can score a Domaine with a cult following at just under $30 per bottle.

Jeb Dunnuck elevates “up with the top wines in the appellation.” He adds *“While I’ve always loved the wines of Domaine de la Charbonnière, recent vintages are on another level, and I’d unquestionably put the Domaine up with the crème de la crème of the appellation today. Run by the Maret family, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie…”

There it is - Cambie.

You may recall that track record including Clos Saint Jean in the South of France to Jamet in the North, to his California collaboration with Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non. He had a magic touch, in particular with Rhône wines. Until his untimely passing recently, he truly was one of the top consultants in the world.

The magic is here alright. Floral and expressive on the nose, with scents of violets and ‘garrigue’ accenting raspberry, and cherry fruit. Full-bodied yet supple, it comes to a finely focused, elegant, and lingering finish with no apparent hard edges. Jam-packed with sweet red fruits, black tea, dark chocolate, oak spices and those ever-present herbs de Provence. Silky, explosive, and long in the finish - tasted blind you’d peg it for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It should continue to improve for over a good decade. With the right food, like an authentic coq au vin, it will duly impress even the most discerning connoisseurs.

Guaranteed you’ll wish you bought more of this affordable collectible!

93 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2019 Vacqueyras Cuvée Spéciale comes from a single vineyard (the lieu-dit is Cabane) and offers a bigger, broader, richer style. Ground pepper, cured meats, chocolate, and garrigue notes all define this ruby-hued beauty, and it has ripe tannins, a round, expansive mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s up with the top wines in the appellation.”