2021 Domaine Jaume "Altitude 420" Vinsobres

A light- to medium-bodied red, offering red currant and licorice polished in cedar and spices, with a tart cherry edge. Peppery and sleek, with white pepper on the finish. Grenache and Syrah. (KB)

One of the more recent Cru appellations in the Southern Rhone is Vinsobres. What distinguishes this region is its location further deep into the hills of the region. There is more altitude and a cooler influence here where grapes like Syrah show more of they Syrah-ness. But Grenache is still the main grape and it delivers a more elegant profile that matches well from Syrah grown here. Domaine Jaume is one of the stars of the region. I first encountered them years ago on a trip through the region and visited them when I was scouting new producers. I can remember driving up the steep hill to the winery and worrying that my manual transmission driving skills might not be up to the task of getting me the rest of the way there. I thought the wines were really well made, clean cooler climate Rhone wines that reminded me more of the classic perfumed and savory styles that were more prevalent in the 90s and 00s.