2015 Domaine des Martinelles Ventoux Rouge 750 ml

94-97 Point Vintage’s Treasure Trove”

Domaine Martinelle’s Corinna Faravel has established herself as “one of my favorite producers from the Ventoux,” says Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. The publication raved: “I’ve always loved the reds from this estate, and their 2015 Cotes du Ventoux is one of the best” before recommending, “it’s worth buying a case.” Faravel’s “baby” Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes clear why critics like Tim Atkin, MW are calling Ventoux “one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of the Rhône,” benefiting from both a cooler climate and higher elevation than neighboring prestigious appellations. In the phenomenal 2015 growing season, declared by Wine Advocate to be “a beautiful vintage for Southern Rhône lovers that will be a treasure trove,” the Martinelle Ventoux delivers all the garrigue-scented warmth, passion, and red fruit purity that we love about Southern Rhône at half the price you’d pay for CdP.

The 2015 vintage in the Southern Rhône is being trumpeted as among the greatest, perhaps even better than superlative Rhône vintages such as 1978, ‘89, ‘95, ‘01, ‘05, ‘07, ‘09 and ‘10. Jancis Robinson calls it “extremely promising,” while Wine Spectator gave it a score of 94-97 points, making it the best Southern Rhône vintage since the already legendary 2010. It’s precisely in such vintages that top Ventoux estate like Martinelle thrive, thanks to conditions that offset the region’s heat.

Faravel’s vineyards of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre sit to the east of mountainous Gigondas on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, at an altitude of nearly 1,000 feet. Limestone soils contribute Burgundian sophistication, while clay lends depth and body. The area’s elevation, in addition to the brisk Mistral blowing through the valleys, make for a long, slow growing season, leading to gorgeously fresh, high-toned reds like this one. Take Wine Advocate’s advice and lock into a case — while our stock lasts.