Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux - Vacqueyras Cuvée Doucinello 2023 (750ml)

92 Points Decanter

“Very soft and juicy style of Doucinello, with tons of bright, gourmand fruit. Fine tannins and elegant in feel, it's very harmonious and well balanced, and while not hugely complex is very drinkable. Between black and red fruits in style.”

90-92 Points Vinous

“Orange rind, ripe raspberry, pressed violets, red cherry and leafy characteristics introduce the 2023 Vacqueyras Cuvee Doucinello, a medium to full-bodied red with delightful intensity. Fresh and concentrated, the fruit-driven 2023 is shaping up to be a rock-solid follow-up to the outstanding 2020. I can’t wait to taste it once bottled.” Barrel Sample

"One glimpse of Serge Férigoule’s barbell moustache might be enough for one to be completely enamored with the wines of Le Sang des Cailloux, although they also speak remarkably well for themselves. This domaine’s name means “the blood of the stones,” and Serge Férigoule is most certainly the heart that links the two together.  In 1974, Serge left winemaking school with a longing to return to the vineyards. He went to work for Monsieur Ricard’s family in 1979 to oversee the vineyards. Without anyone in his family to succeed him, Ricard decided to gamble by partnering with Serge in 1982. In 1990, after Monsieur Ricard’s retirement, Serge launched Le Sang des Cailloux. Vacqueyras had just been awarded an A.O.C. that same year, a timely twist of fate that helped Serge’s wines to become as celebrated as they deserve."

"All of Serge’s seventeen hectares rest on the great Plateau des Garrigues, where red clay, limestone, and the famous galets roulés, or rounded stones, impart a terrific intensity and depth to the wines. Given the aridity of the soil, the vines here are naturally prone to lower yields—this gives the wines their concentration and power. That Serge has been farming organically for years but has never sought certification says something about his philosophy. He is not looking to impress; only to make the best wines he possibly can. Serge is also sentimental—each year, the Cuvée Traditionnelle of Le Sang des Cailloux is named for one of his daughters, Floureto, Doucinello and Azalaïs. The “Vieilles Vignes” is also called “Lopy,” named for his hometown. His wines have everything we love about the Rhône – wild and chewy with great notes of leather, spicy garrigue, and smoky, black fruit."  

KERMIT LYNCH  WINE MERCHANT