Drink: 2018-2022
The 2016 Ventoux Seraphin is all Grenache, made without any oak. It offers up a mélange of subtle dried spices, rosemary and bay leaf, but also plenty of red raspberry fruit, grounded in silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied, it’s approachable, inviting and complex, with hints of clove and orange zest on the long finish.
Drink: 2019-2024
A blend of 90% Syrah (mainly matured in barrel) and 10% Grenache (aged in amphorae), the 2016 Ventoux Archange is inky in colour, with impenetrable aromas of molasses and plum. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it’s rich and velvety but vibrant, with notes of cocoa and cassis that linger on the finish.
Drink: 2015-2017
A rock solid white from the up and coming Ventoux appellation, the 2014 Ventoux Blanc is one-third each of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Bourboulenc, from limestone soils lying at an elevation of 350 meters above sea level. It offers lots of salty, saline-like characteristics to go with melon, green citrus and spice. Medium-bodied, rounded and textured, yet with good acidity, drink it over the coming year or two. Provence-native Florent Chave (he previously worked at Domaine Brusset in Gigondas) is the driver behind these solid Ventoux releases.
Drink: 2015-2018
Made from 100% barrel-fermented and aged Roussanne, the 2014 Ventoux Archange Blanc shows its barrel elevage with ample vanilla cream, ripe peach, and apple tart-like aromas and flavors on the nose. Offering more warm spice and citrus with time in the glass, it’s medium plus in body, nicely textured and lively on the palate. It will be at its best with food and drink nicely for 2-3 years. Provence-native Florent Chave (he previously worked at Domaine Brusset in Gigondas) is the driver behind these solid Ventoux releases.
Drink: 2015-2020
Made from 100% tank-aged Grenache and reminding me of Chateau des Tours Cotes du Rhône, the 2013 Ventoux Seraphin has terrific notes of kirsch, wild strawberry, peppery spice, rose petal and resin. Medium-bodied, elegant, supple and seamless, it’s loaded with character and will drink nicely for 3-5 years. Provence-native Florent Chave (he previously worked at Domaine Brusset in Gigondas) is the driver behind these solid Ventoux releases.
Drink: 2016-2021
A blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache that had the Syrah brought up in older barrels and the Grenache in tank, the 2013 Ventoux Archange offers lots of white pepper, cured meats, resinous herbs (which is a classic trait from Ventoux), and sweet red and black fruits on the nose. Medium-bodied, elegant and fresh, it leans towards the leaner end of the spectrum, but is balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. I suspect it will be better in 6-12 months and drink nicely through 2021.Provence-native Florent Chave (he previously worked at Domaine Brusset in Gigondas) is the driver behind these solid Ventoux releases.
Clean, refreshing and balanced, with notions of light cherries, citrus rind and melon, the lightly colored 2013 Ventoux Rose is medium to light-bodied, crisp, refreshing and clean. Drink it over the coming couple of months.
Importer: Encore Wines Imports, Syracuse NY; Tel. (315) 447-1021
Drink: 2014-2017
Classic stuff, the 2012 Ventoux has a fruity, rounded style to go with notes of sweet cherries, pine, underbrush and savory herbs. It should be consumed over the coming couple of years.
Drink: 2014-2022
An outstanding effort (and a good value), the 2012 Ventoux Archange has some sweet oak in its cedar, peppery, spicy bouquet. Made from 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache and aged in 3-5 year old barrels and stainless steel, it’s medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and has notable texture and underlying structure. It’s already drinking nicely now, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it still going strong at age 10.
Drink: 2014-2019
In the same league quality wise (as the Archange), the 2012 Ventoux Seraphin is a blend of 100% Grenache that’s aged all in stainless steel. It gives up more strawberry, spice and garrigue to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless style on the palate. It’s another outstanding wine that’s loaded with character. Drink this beauty over the coming 3-5 years.
Drink: 2013-2015
Offering up notions of mulled pears, citrus rind and subtle minerality, the 2012 Ventoux Blanc (Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc) is a medium-bodied, clean and nicely balanced white to drink over the coming year or so.
Drink: 2013-2019
A step up (and more expensive), the 2011 Ventoux Archange is a beauty! Offering up gorgeous blackberry, currants, smoked meats and scorched earth like aromas and flavors, this expressive, pure and fruit loaded effort has a touch of modern flair, yet has loads of character and soul. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years.
Drink: 2013-2018
Along the same lines, the 2011 Ventoux Seraphin is a classic, textbook Ventoux that offers massive spice, pine bough, cracked pepper and underbrush that’s ground by a core of sweet fruit. Medium to full-bodied, supple and beautifully textured, it finishes with chewy, savory tannin. I’m a fan, and it too should dish out loads of pleasure over the coming 3-5 years.
A serious value, the 2011 Ventoux is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tank. Exhibiting plenty of spice, ground pepper, old leather and both red and black fruits on the nose, it flows onto the palate with loads of fruit and texture, no hard edges and excellent purity of fruit. Enjoy this balanced, delicious and character filled red over the coming 3-4 years.
Domaine Des Anges 84570 Mormoiron France
Tel: +33 4 90 61 88 78 Fax: +33 4 90 61 98 05
GPS: N 44°02.619' / E 05° 11.209'
