The AOP Vinsobres was only created in 2005, before that the wines of the municipality bore the official title Côtes-du-Rhône Villages on the label. The special feature of this origin is the high proportion of the Syrah grape variety in the red wines, one could describe it as a taste link between the northern and southern part of the Rhône. The Syrah thrives best in the higher vineyards of Vinsobre, which is why this variety has long been relied on here and Les Hauts de Julien therefore benefits from a plot of very old vines.
The Perrin family's plot is about 300m high and is planted with half Syrah and half Grenache Noir. Because of the high proportion of Syrah, barriques are used for aging the Hauts de Julien, which gives this wine a different basic character than what is known from the Crus of the Perrin family, which are characterized by Grenache Noir.
The 2020 Vinsobres les Hauts de Julien is a massive powerhouse, but on the other hand it is aromatically very clear and precise. It is very rich in extracts, has a lot of bite and an enchanting complexity. You notice the depth that the old vines bring to this wine. 2019 and 2020 are probably the best vintages of this magical wine so far. It would certainly be a great pleasure to compare the two again in 10 years.
Unfortunately, due to the very small amount of this wine, there are few tasting notes in the press. At Parker, the rather difficult 2017 vintage has already received a euphoric 94-96/100 points. If you take that as a benchmark, the great 2020 vintage should actually be close to 100/100.
Optimum drinking
now until 2042+
Analysis Data
14.5% ABV
Ageing
in barriques and large wooden barrels
Grapes
50% each of Grenache Noir and Syrah, 90 year old vines
