Domaine de Fondrèche Rouge 2019

The main production of the estate, the 2019 Ventoux Rouge is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, aged in equal parts barriques, foudres and concrete eggs. Bottled in May 2020, with no additions until bottling (sulfur). It offers impressively concentrated notes of rich mixed berries on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied and supple, folding in blueberries, black cherries and more savory notes of roasted meat and black olives. The wine turns velvety on the lengthy finish, adding a hint of licorice. Although the retail price is yet to be finalized, it'll likely be one of the finest values to be found in the Southern Rhône—the 2018 retails for less than $20. - Joe Czerwinski.