2011 Domaine de Fondreche Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Persia is sold out.

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2011 Domaine de Fondreche Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Persia 750 ml

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  • Curated by unrivaled experts
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  • Temperature controlled shipping options
  • Get credited back if a wine fails to impress

“If there’s a Syrah from the south that will stand up to a top Hermitage, this is it”

 

Ventoux is one of the great unsung appellations of the Southern Rhône — essentially a satellite of the more-storied Châteauneuf-du-Pape, using the same trifecta of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre. Believing in Ventoux’s promise, great producers like the Perrin Family (Beaucastel) and Saint Cosme have set up shop in the appellation. Moreover, the slightly higher elevation in Ventoux makes for wines that bare the elegance of the Northern Rhône, and the power and lushness of the South.

One winemaker we’ve had our eye on for some time is Sébastien Vincenti of Domaine de Fondrèche. Sébastien’s meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and in the winery translates to some of most remarkable Syrah from the region. Vincenti studied under André Brunel, the legendary winemaker of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a Wine Advocate “Personality of the Year” behind “one of the world's most profound dry red wines.” More than just a bit of that golden touch was transferred to Sébastien, who took the reins at Domaine de Fondrèche’s estate in 1995.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. Take Robert Parker’s: “Nearly every shrewd wine consumer is aware of the remarkable wines that emanate from this high-quality, biodynamically run estate in the Ventoux. A long-standing point of reference for what is possible from this outlying appellation east of the Cotes du Rhone villages and Chateauneuf du Pape, etc., this operation has been run with great precision and passion by proprietors Sébastien Vincenti and Nanou Barthelemy. The natural, pure, uncomplicated, fresh, lively wines they produce are a message to everyone trying to produce something special from relatively obscure areas. Fondreche certainly has an impressive track record of making wines that consumers adore.”

And then there’s Vincenti’s “Persia.” Parker’s Wine Advocate put it in its proper context in October: “If there’s a Syrah from the south that will stand up to a top Hermitage, this is it.”

The vines for the “Persia” are the oldest on the property, averaging 53 years of age. At harvest, they eke out BB-sized berries that yield incredible power and concentration. Perched high atop a plateau and bathed in the prevailing Mistral winds, Vincenti’s vines experience a consistent growing season, giving his berries the chance to achieve perfect ripeness while retaining the mouthwatering freshness so prevalent in his finished cuvée.

The 2011 Domaine de Fondrèche “Persia” is mostly Syrah with a splash of Mourvédre. Opaque purple in color. Explosive aromas of blackberries, dried herbs, violets, white truffles, and cassis give way to a silky, satiny mouthfeel. The palate is layered with sumptuous black fruit and the kind of gorgeous gamey and smoky undertones that only come with a bit of bottle age. A lengthy smooth finish lingers for 30-45 seconds, tinged with whispers of black licorice and herbs de Provence.

92 points from The Wine Advocate, which urged its readers: “Go grab your corkscrew for this one.” We’ll go one step further: Go hit that “Buy” button; if you’ve read this far, you’re in jeopardy of missing out thanks to your faster-on-the-trigger fellow WineAccess members! Just $19.99 per bottle today — the BEST PRICE IN THE U.S. Shipping included on 6.