{"product_id":"2016-chateau-des-tours-vacqueyras-1","title":"2016 Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"424\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"41\"\u003e2016 Château des Tours Vacqueyras\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the crown jewels of the Southern Rhône and a profound expression of \u003cstrong data-start=\"120\" data-end=\"142\"\u003eEmmanuel Reynaud's\u003c\/strong\u003e singular winemaking philosophy. While Vacqueyras is often associated with powerful, rustic reds, Reynaud crafts a wine of extraordinary perfume, silk-like texture, and haunting elegance—one that many collectors consider the closest stylistic sibling to the legendary Château Rayas.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"965\"\u003eProduced primarily from \u003cstrong data-start=\"450\" data-end=\"497\"\u003eGrenache with a smaller proportion of Syrah\u003c\/strong\u003e, the 2016 opens with an intoxicating bouquet of \u003cstrong data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"610\"\u003ekirsch, wild strawberry, black cherry, and raspberry liqueur\u003c\/strong\u003e, layered with aromas of \u003cstrong data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"751\"\u003elavender, rosemary, thyme, white pepper, licorice, orange peel, and the unmistakable scent of Provençal garrigue\u003c\/strong\u003e. With air, the wine continues to unfold, revealing hints of \u003cstrong data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eforest floor, sandalwood, tobacco, and warm baking spice\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hallmark of Reynaud's beautifully expressive wines. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003eThe palate is full-bodied yet remarkably weightless, delivering waves of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1101\"\u003ered and black cherry, plum, pomegranate, and exotic spice\u003c\/strong\u003e wrapped in an almost seamless texture. Velvety tannins and vibrant acidity provide impeccable balance, while the finish lingers with notes of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003ecrushed herbs, mineral earth, and sweet spice\u003c\/strong\u003e. Despite its richness, the wine never feels heavy—its defining characteristic is its \u003cstrong data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1437\"\u003etransparency, finesse, and effortless sense of harmony\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1895\"\u003eThe outstanding \u003cstrong data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1516\"\u003e2016 Rhône vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e endowed this wine with exceptional concentration and longevity, and many critics regard it as one of the finest Château des Tours Vacqueyras ever produced. \u003cstrong data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003eVinous awarded it 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e, praising its layers of ripe kirsch, wild herbs, luxurious texture, and remarkable finesse, while recommending patience as the wine continues to evolve. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1897\" data-end=\"2051\"\u003ePair it with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1991\"\u003eroast leg of lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, venison, or slow-braised beef\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its savory complexity and aromatic lift truly shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2424\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFor lovers of Rayas, this is one of the most compelling values in fine wine—a bottle that captures Emmanuel Reynaud's unmistakable magic at a fraction of the price of his flagship estate. While already captivating with several hours of decanting, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2341\"\u003e2016 Château des Tours Vacqueyras\u003c\/strong\u003e has the pedigree and structure to reward \u003cstrong data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2406\"\u003eanother 15–20 years\u003c\/strong\u003e in a cool cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MARTINES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51396809523506,"sku":"510000000007568","price":174.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0044\/7165\/2425\/files\/CdTVac_d98ac7c7-2868-445b-8ab8-e71fba0aa5c7.png?v=1783495867","url":"https:\/\/www.vintagewinemerchants.com\/products\/2016-chateau-des-tours-vacqueyras-1","provider":"Vintage Wine Merchants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}