Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Lopy 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A leading figure in Vacqueyras, we owe a great deal to Serge Férigoule, whose wines have accompanied the history of this appellation. Initially a vineyard worker, he has been the owner of Sang des Cailloux since 1990. Around twenty hectares scattered between Vacqueyras and Sarrians are harvested at perfect maturity and aged for a long time. In an uncompromising style that almost turns its back on modernity, this estate produces five red wines, whose concentration and delicate touch deserve greater aromatic precision. Come on, just a little progress and the blood of the stones will continue to flow down the throats of many wine lovers!

Decanter

About wine:

Peppery herbs, certainly more full-bodied in style, but still easy to drink. A lovely salty touch, with pleasantly lively tannins. Well-balanced, it has the intensity of old vines. It displays a classic personality and is slightly less concentrated and robust than some recent vintages from hot years. Less than 15% whole clusters.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

The Vacqueyras Cuvée Lopy 2023 proved magnificent, exuding a deep, complex, and fragrant bouquet of black berries, violets, lavender, rose petals, and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it is harmonious and complex, with a concentrated core of ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a long, penetrating finish that lingers on the palate. More fleshy and textured than the Doucinello, this blend of 80% Grenache Noir from old vines and 20% Syrah, planted on clay-rich soils, is one of the highlights of this year's range.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This Vacqueyras estate boasts magnificent terroir on a plateau of rounded pebbles. Certified organic since 2010 and biodynamic since 2012, with strictly controlled yields, the property produces impressive Vacqueyras wines that require time to reveal their full potential. These structured, highly mature wines tend to refine with age in recent vintages. The Lopy cuvée can be so rich and dense that, in certain vintages, we may prefer the balance of the entry-level wines. The white, not presented in 2022, stands out as a fine benchmark in the sector.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

A little shy on the nose at the moment. The palate is firm, with round but chalky tannins—a little more power, weight, and structure here. For now, the palate is marked by a little wood, but this is only from old barrels, and it will integrate over the years. A structured palate and a ripe finish, imbued with graphite.

Vinous