Vacqueyras 2016 and 2015: Value and Consistency

BY JOSH RAYNOLDS | NOVEMBER 20, 2018

Vacqueyras enjoyed virtually flawless growing seasons in 2016 and 2015 and its producers responded by making wines of consistently high quality. While prices have been steadily rising for current releases from neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, pricing for Vacqueyras wines has mostly been holding steady, which is terrific news for wine lovers.

While there are more similarities than differences between the 2016 and 2015 vintages in Vacqueyras, the latter vintage will gratify drinkers who gravitate toward exuberant, fruit-driven wines while the former will be better suited for those with more patience. Both years offer outstanding value: while prices have been steadily rising for current releases from neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, pricing for Vacqueyras wines has mostly been holding steady. More important, the quality and consistency of the appellation’s wines, especially in these two outstanding recent vintages, have shown a noticeable upswing that easily outpaces any recent price hikes.