Domaine Des Tours Reserve IGP Vin de Pays de Vaucluse (2012)

Notes

Here is a wine that may be hard to find in the U.S. but is worth the effort to track down.  Domaine des Tours is managed by Emmanuel Reynaud, a fourth generation wine grower who also manages Château Rayas, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most respected domaines.  One might think of this cuvée as an entry level Gigondas or a cost-effective alternative to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

The color is a brownish red.  The nose of earth, tobacco, and dark red fruit hints at what is about to come on the palate: red fruit–raspberry and black cherry dominate– with some residual tobacco.  The wine has a medium body, good structure, and soft tannins.  While the finish is not the longest, it is very enjoyable with a finale of mild black pepper.  If you are fortunate enough to find this wine, be sure to give it at least an hour to open up.  The wine was much better integrated after being open for several hours. It was a very nice accompaniment to our filet mignon.