80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, made from two parcels planted on the plateau amidst the garrigue by M. Ricard’s grandparents. Guy says this is the best wine he has made since he started in 1982.  Very deep hue indeed. First impression is of great ripeness and almost sweetness - a sense of blackcurrant and blackberry jelly. So much go and vitality: real, old-fashioned wine, to enjoy for many years.

Product Code: COW305

 “The sumptuous 2005 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes is certainly one of the wines of the vintage for this appellation. A gorgeous deep ruby/purple color that is almost black as well as a fabulous noise of cassis, charcoal, garrigue, licorice, and pepper are followed by an intense, multi-layered wine oozing with fruit, extract, and wonderfully sweet, velvety tannins. This is a superb Vacqueyras that should drink well for 10-12 years. Don’t miss it. 92/100!”  Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, February 2008. Now-2015

Guy Ricard, short, chubby, grey-haired and friendly, has long been perceived as one of the leaders in this appellation: Robert Parker describes this as a “reference point estate in Vacqueyras”. Guy modestly puts his success down to the positioning of his vineyards - on the plateau to the west of the village, and not on the flat land to the south and south-west. He makes reds in a thoroughly old-fashioned style, demanding and benefiting from a few years in bottle. Lovers of chunky, complex Rhônes should stop here, especially as prices are very fair and stable.