Domaine de la Monardière, Vacqueyras, Les 2 Monardes, 2023
Domaine de la Monardière, Vacqueyras, Les 2 Monardes, 2023
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
- Organic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
Domaine de la Monardière sits at the heart of Vacqueyras, where the Marthouret family has farmed the same parcels for three generations. Their flagship 'Les 2 Monardes' blends old-vine Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre from hillside vineyards, creating a wine that captures the wild, herb-scented character of this southern Rhône appellation.
We find this 2023 showing the concentrated fruit and Mediterranean warmth that makes Vacqueyras so compelling, yet with enough structure to develop beautifully over the next few years.
What the critics say:
"Fresh raspberry, damson and blackberry fruit. Plenty of energy and focus on the palate, with juicy acidity and just enough ripe tannin to bring structure. Well balanced and moderate alcohol."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple-black with a vibrant crimson rim.
NoseDark cherry and blackberry fruit wrapped in wild herbs, lavender, and black olive. There's a mineral edge underneath, like warm stones after summer rain. The oak is present but well-integrated, adding vanilla and sweet spice without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateFull-bodied and structured, with concentrated dark fruit balanced by Mediterranean herbs and garrigue. The tannins are firm but ripe, providing backbone without harshness. We taste black olive tapenade, rosemary, and a hint of leather, with the signature warmth and spice of the southern Rhône coming through on the mid-palate.
FinishLong and savoury, with lingering herbs, dark chocolate, and a mineral persistence that speaks of the stony soils.
Overall impressionA wine that captures the wild, herb-scented essence of Vacqueyras with enough structure to age gracefully.
Food Pairings
In Vacqueyras, this wine would accompany the robust cuisine of Provence: slow-braised daube de boeuf with olives and herbs, grilled lamb with herbes de Provence, or wild boar stewed with juniper and red wine. The locals might serve it with ratatouille enriched with local goat's cheese, or alongside the region's famous tapenade spread on crusty bread. The wine's herb-driven character makes it perfect for dishes that celebrate the garrigue landscape.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to preserve the fresh herb character while allowing the fruit to express itself fully. Decant for 45 minutes to soften the tannins and let the wine breathe. Use large Burgundy bowls rather than Bordeaux glasses to capture the wine's aromatic complexity and Mediterranean warmth.
The vineyards for Les 2 Monardes sit on the famous Plateau des Garrigues at 350 metres altitude, where red clay limestone soils are scattered with galets roulés (rolled stones) that store heat during the day and release it at night. The mistral winds moderate the Mediterranean climate, preserving freshness in the grapes while the stony soils force vines to dig deep, concentrating flavours. This combination of elevation, stones, and wind creates wines with both power and finesse.
Vacqueyras earned its AOC status in 1990, becoming the southern Rhône's newest cru after proving it could rival neighbouring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. The appellation sits at higher altitude than most southern Rhône villages, with strict yield limits and mandatory blending rules that require Grenache to dominate but allow Syrah and Mourvèdre to add structure. Vacqueyras produces wines with more tension and herb-driven character than the broader Côtes du Rhône, yet remains more approachable in youth than the stern Gigondas next door.
The 2023 growing season in the Rhône started promisingly with a mild winter and early budbreak, but spring brought its challenges with late frosts affecting some vineyards, particularly in the north. Summer delivered the heat we expect here, though without the punishing extremes that can shut down photosynthesis entirely. What saved the vintage was September's cooling temperatures and occasional rain, allowing the grapes to retain freshness while completing their ripening cycle. Harvest began earlier than usual but proceeded at a measured pace, giving producers flexibility to pick at optimal moments.
The result is a vintage that captures the Rhône's sunny disposition without the overwrought power that can make these wines feel heavy-handed. Syrah from the northern appellations shows particular promise, combining the grape's natural spice and dark fruit intensity with surprising lift and precision. In the south, Grenache-based blends benefit from that late-season freshness, offering immediate charm whilst maintaining enough structure for proper ageing. Most 2023s are drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop until 2035, making this a vintage that rewards both early drinking and patient cellaring.
FAQs
What does this Vacqueyras taste like?
Rich dark cherry and blackberry fruit with Mediterranean herbs, black olive, and warm spice. It has the structured, herb-driven character that makes Vacqueyras distinctive among southern Rhône wines.
When should I drink this wine?
This is now at its best, to 2030. The tannins are integrated, and the wine has developed lovely secondary complexity.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with robust Mediterranean cuisine: braised lamb, beef daube, grilled meats with herbs, or rich stews. The herb character makes it brilliant with dishes featuring rosemary, thyme, or olives.
Should I decant this wine?
Yes, decant for 45 minutes to soften the tannins and allow the aromatics to open up. Serve at 16-17°C in large bowls to capture the wine's complexity.
How does Vacqueyras compare to other southern Rhône wines?
Vacqueyras sits between Côtes du Rhône and the top crus like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It offers more structure and herb-driven character than basic Côtes du Rhône, but remains more approachable than neighbouring Gigondas.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This wine is at peak drinking - it has developed secondary aromas and integration.
OUR GROWERS
Domaine de la Monardière
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