Merlot – Le Roux Vins https://lerouxvins.com Sip the essence of excellence. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:57:54 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://lerouxvins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-le-roux-vins-logo-webshop-icon-32x32.png Merlot – Le Roux Vins https://lerouxvins.com 32 32 239270759 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2021, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Magnum 1.5 L https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/le-volte-dellornellaia-2021-magnum-en/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/le-volte-dellornellaia-2021-magnum-en/#respond Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:26:52 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2924 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2021, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Magnum 1.5 L - Four miles from the Mediterranean, on the hills of Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, lies an estate that led Antonio Galloni to declare: "Ornellaia's wines have never failed to literally send shivers down my spine." Le Volte is the estate's third wine — conceived as an immediately accessible, early-drinking counterpart to the legendary Ornellaia. And yet: in a year like 2021, described by connoisseurs as one of the greatest Tuscan vintages of recent decades, Le Volte is not a "small wine." It is a wine that carries the complete DNA of Ornellaia — generosity, structure, Mediterranean character — and presents it in a format that requires no ceremony. In a 1.5-litre Magnum, it ages more slowly, more deeply, more patiently — the ideal format for a wine you can open today, open again tomorrow, and enjoy even more the day after.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a deep ruby with violet reflections — young, vivid, expressive. The nose is seductively rich: cassis, black cherry, Damson plum, blackberry — complemented by cedar, violets, rose blossom, sage and five-spice. With air, dried herbs, balsamic, black olives and a fine chocolate earth appear. On the palate, medium to full-bodied, with lively acidity and silky, polished tannins — the attack is generous, the mid-palate dense and aromatic, the finish long and spiced. Antonio Galloni described the 2021 as "one of the richest Le Voltes I can ever remember tasting" — potent and profound without losing its natural approachability.

Serving temperature: 17–18°C · Drinking window: now through 2029, optimal 2025–2027

Perfect For

A spontaneous, festive dinner. Its opulent, Mediterranean profile pairs beautifully with a charcoal-grilled entrecôte, braised beef cheeks with polenta, duck with cherries and balsamic, or a hard wheat pasta dish with rich meat sauce. In Magnum — the ideal wine for a large table.

The Critics Agree...

Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded 89 points, calling the 2021 "one of the richest Le Voltes I can ever remember tasting — potent and brooding." Wine Enthusiast gave 91 points for its "cherry and pomegranate-rich nose with savoury herbaceousness." Goedhuis named it "one of our drinking wines of the year" with "elegance and poise indicative of a truly superb vintage." The critics average stands at 91 points.

  • What is it? The third wine of Italy's most iconic Super Tuscan estate — approachable, opulent and immediately seductive, in the ideal Magnum format.
  • From? Tuscany, Italy (IGT Toscana) — Bolgheri, Maremma.
  • Grapes? Approx. 65% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese, 12–14% Cabernet Sauvignon — vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, aged 10 months in barriques and cement tanks.
  • Tastes Like? Cassis, black cherry, blackberry, cedar, dried herbs, black olives and fine chocolate.
  • Critics score? 91/100 Wine Enthusiast · 89/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
  • Format: Magnum (1.5 L) — the ideal format for slow ageing and large tables.
]]> Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2021, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Magnum 1.5 L

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia: El Dorado by the Tuscan Sea

In the wine world, certain designations stick. “Italy’s First Growth.” “The Lafite of Tuscany.” “El Dorado.” Ornellaia has received all of these names — and none is an exaggeration.

The story does not begin with an estate. It begins with a dream.

1981: A Field Full of Promise

Lodovico Antinori, brother of Piero Antinori of Tignanello fame, was searching in the late 1970s for a site capable of replicating the great Bordeaux blends in Tuscany. He found it on the Tuscan coast — in Bolgheri, a stretch of land the wine world then barely knew, but which already harboured Sassicaia. In 1981, he planted the first Merlot and Cabernet vines on the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. He brought in one of the world’s greatest oenologists — André Tchelistcheff, the legend who had taught winemaking in Napa Valley like no other. Tchelistcheff visited the estate, tasted the soil, smelled the air — and called the property “El Dorado.”

He was right.

The First Vintage and Immediate Fame

1985 saw the first vintage of Ornellaia. The reaction of the wine world was immediate, overwhelming, unambiguous: this was not an ordinary wine. This was a wine that inaugurated a new era in Bolgheri — more structured than Sassicaia, more opulent than Tignanello, with a softness and accessibility rarely found in the Bordeaux style. Robert Parker was enthusiastic. Jancis Robinson was enthusiastic. The rest of the world followed.

Within a few years, Ornellaia appeared on the wine lists of the world’s finest restaurants. Today it stands at number 5 of the most searched wines on wine-searcher.com in all of Italy — and on the Liv-ex Fine Wine Power 100.

The Frescobaldi Era: Continuity as Philosophy

In 2005, the Frescobaldi family — one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious wine dynasties, present in Tuscany for 700 years — acquired the majority of Ornellaia. What followed was not a reinvention, but a deepening. Axel Heinz, described by Antonio Galloni as “one of the world’s most in-demand winemakers,” took over direction of the estate and introduced a radical philosophy: each vintage is defined by a single word — the “Vendemmia d’Artista.” This word is interpreted by a contemporary artist who creates a work for the estate’s permanent collection. In 2021, that word is: “Spontaneità.” Spontaneity — the freedom of nature in a perfect year.

Le Volte: Not the Little Brother — the Open Door

Le Volte is not the second wine of Ornellaia — that is Le Serre Nuove. Le Volte is the third wine: conceived to be immediately accessible before the great wines are ready. But in a vintage like 2021, where grape quality was exceptional, Le Volte is more than that. It is the open door into the Ornellaia universe — wider open than ever, with a fullness and depth that led Galloni to speak of “one of the richest Le Voltes I can ever remember tasting.”

In a Magnum, that door is opened twice as wide. And the room behind is larger than expected.

 

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/le-volte-dellornellaia-2021-magnum-en/feed/ 0 2924 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:04:56 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2898 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours: The Vintage That Demands Patience — and Rewards It

2013 was not, in the southern Rhône, a year for the impatient. A cool, wet spring, a capricious summer, a long, late autumn — a vintage that forced winemakers to choose: harvest early and play it safe, or wait and hope. Emmanuel Reynaud waited. He always waited. And what emerged from that waiting is a Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge that is, of all the estate's vintages, the coolest, most taut and most mineral — the least southern in character, drifting furthest towards Burgundy or the northern Rhône. A wine for connoisseurs seeking precisely that: tension over warmth, finesse over fullness, depth over immediate accessibility.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, almost delicate ruby — even lighter than the warm vintages, with a hint of garnet. The nose is complex and quiet: red cherries, sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, a hint of forest floor and a mineral depth that immediately evokes granite and limestone. On the palate, lean, precise and electrifyingly fresh — the texture is silky but taut as a bowstring. The tannins are fine and firm, the acidity lively and structural. The finish is long, mineral, almost saline — and evolves in the glass for hours. At least 90 minutes of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2027, optimal today

Perfect For

A considered, elegant dinner. Its cool, taut structure pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted leg of lamb, a grilled entrecôte with herb butter, a goat's cheese soufflé, or a powerful Comté — dishes that need structure to honour the structure of the wine.

The Critics Agree...

The 2013 Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge is described by connoisseurs as one of the most intellectual vintages from the estate — cooler, more austere and more mineral than the warm years, with a depth and tension that sets it apart from the crowd. CellarTracker entries praise its "astonishing freshness and tension for the region" and its "almost Burgundian minerality." For those seeking Reynaud in his purest, most uncompromising form — this is it.

  • What is it? The coolest, most taut and most mineral vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — Emmanuel Reynaud in the year of patience.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
  • Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, granite and salinity.
  • Critics score? Insider's recommendation — praised for "almost Burgundian minerality and electrifying finish."
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours

The Difficult Vintage: Why 2013 is the Most Honest Year from Domaine des Tours

In the wine world, there are easy vintages and difficult vintages. The easy ones make every winemaker look brilliant — warmth, ripeness, concentration, applause. The difficult ones sort things out. They separate winemakers from farmers, patience from impatience, conviction from adaptation.

2013 was a difficult vintage. And Domaine des Tours 2013 is perhaps the most honest wine Emmanuel Reynaud has ever made.

A Year Against the Current

The spring of 2013 in Provence was cold and wet. The flowering was irregular. The summer was capricious — warm, then cold, then warm again. Many producers in the South harvested early to avoid the worst. Reynaud did not. He waited for autumn — for those final October weeks when the weather finally cleared and the grapes found the last ripeness they needed.

The result: grapes with unusually high acidity, less concentration than in warm years, but a minerality and freshness that gave the wines a tension rare in the southern Rhône. This is not a wine you love immediately. It is a wine you understand — and then cannot put down.

What “Natural Acidity” Means

In the age of climate change, natural acidity in the South of France is a rare commodity. Most modern wines from the Vaucluse or Côtes du Rhône are acidified with purchased tartaric acid — a legal, widespread practice that is technically clean and yet misses something fundamental. The acidity must come from the grape. From the vine. From the vintage.

In the 2013 Domaine des Tours, it comes from exactly there. And you feel it. The wine has a tension, a vivacity, a precision on the palate that cannot be bought. You can only let it grow — or wait until it is there.

Reynaud waited.

The Paradox of the Cool Year in the Warm South

Here lies the paradox of 2013: in a year that the wine world labelled as difficult, Reynaud made a wine that cannot be born in many other years. Not because he did something exceptional — but because he did nothing against it. He let nature be what it was that year: cooler, more taut, more mineral than usual. And he waited until it was finished.

That is the true lesson of Domaine des Tours 2013. Not “a good wine from a difficult year.” But: “A different wine from a different year — and that is not an excuse, it is a quality.”

Anyone who knows all four vintages in the range — 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 — drinks four different versions of the same philosophy. Four different answers to the same question: what can Grenache from Sarrians truly be? The 2013 gives the coolest, most austere and perhaps most thoughtful answer of all.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2898 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 12:04:03 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2827 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours: The Sunniest Chapter of a Silent Legend

2018 was a year of warmth, generosity and exceptional ripeness in the southern Rhône — one of the most generous vintages of the decade. Perfect conditions throughout the growing season, without the extreme heat spikes that unbalanced other years. For Emmanuel Reynaud, who farms his old Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah vines organically on the black sandy and gravelly soils of Sarrians, harvesting as late as possible, it was a dream year — not for a heavy, concentrated wine, but for something rare: a full, warm wine that still carries Burgundian finesse and a finish that perfectly preserves the year's sunshine. The 2018 is the most opulent of the three vintages in the range — and the most immediately accessible of its generation.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a slightly deeper ruby than is typical for the house — the warmth of the vintage is immediately visible. The nose is seductively rich: black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, pomegranate, violet, dried herbes de Provence, a delicate hint of cocoa and moist tobacco. On the palate, full-bodied, silky and caressing — the tannins are ripe and round, the acidity fresh enough to carry the fullness. The finish is long, warm and aromatically persistent. A wine that does not wait or struggle — it gives itself completely, immediately, generously. At least 45 minutes of decanting is recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak today

Perfect For

A festive autumn or winter dinner. The opulent warmth of the 2018 calls for braised beef cheeks with olives and orange zest, a wild boar ragù with forest mushrooms, a grilled leg of lamb, or a powerful aged cheese such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2018 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — identical to the elegant 2016, but reached from an entirely different angle. Connoisseurs describe the 2018 as the "most perfumed and most opulent" of the recent vintages — a wine that expresses the full warmth of the South without ever losing the elegance that is Emmanuel Reynaud's signature.

  • What is it? The most opulent and warmest vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — from the hand of Emmanuel Reynaud, guardian of Château Rayas.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
  • Tastes Like? Black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, violet, garrigue and moist tobacco.
  • Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours

Time as Ingredient: Why Reynaud Waits When Everyone Else Rushes

In the modern wine world, time is money. Wine sitting in the winemaker’s cellar is wine that is not being sold, not being paid for, not existing. The economic logic is ruthless: wine is released as soon as the law permits.

Emmanuel Reynaud does not care.

The wines of Château des Tours and Domaine des Tours are routinely released almost a decade after the harvest. Not because storage is expensive. Not because the market demands it. But because Reynaud feels the wine is not yet ready. And because he asks nobody’s opinion.

The Winemaker’s Clock is Not the Market’s Clock

When the 2018 Domaine des Tours was released, nobody asked Reynaud when it would be ready. He decided it himself — quietly, discreetly, without announcement. The wine left the cellar when it left — not a day earlier. This is not a posture. It is a conviction rooted deeply in the estate’s history.

The Reynaud family purchased the 40 hectares in Sarrians in 1935. The old mas — flanked by two distinctive towers, hence “Des Tours” — has housed four generations since. Emmanuel took over from his father Bernard, brother of the legendary Jacques. He grew up in these vineyards, knowing every stone, every vine, every corner of the cellar. Patience was not a virtue he had to learn. It was simply the air he breathed.

No Temperature Control. No Rush. No Compromise.

The wines ferment spontaneously with native yeasts — often for more than a year, slowly and coolly in underground concrete tanks. No temperature management. No pressure. The CO2 blanket of fermentation naturally protects the wine. Then come the old barrels, various sizes, no new wood for the basic red wines. No fining. No filtration.

The result is every time the same miracle: a wine that looks like little and tastes like much. That reveals its origin without betraying its recipe. That lives in the glass — and not in the marketing material.

The 2018 is the perfect illustration of what happens when an exceptional year meets an exceptional winemaker who does not regard time as an enemy, but as the final ingredient.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2827 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 11:46:05 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2823 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours: The Warmth of an Exceptional Year

2017 was a year of contrasts and surprises in the southern Rhône. Devastating spring frosts decimated yields across France — but in Sarrians, on the well-exposed, pebble-strewn clay-limestone soils of Emmanuel Reynaud's Domaine des Tours, the damage remained limited. What followed was a long, warm summer with perfect ripeness — warmer and more direct than the cool, tense 2016, but bearing Reynaud's unmistakable fingerprint: finesse where others seek power, elegance where others aim for volume. Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — on gravel and clay-limestone soils in Sarrians, organically farmed, harvested late. A wine that seduces from the very first sip.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a clear, luminous ruby — quintessentially Reynaud. The nose is open and inviting: red fruits, cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, delicate garrigue, a hint of licorice and black pepper. On the palate, round, soft and caressing — the warmth of the 2017 vintage gives the wine an immediate accessibility and an almost velvety texture that makes it fully delectable today. Fine, fully integrated tannins, fresh acidity, a long aromatic finish. Compared to the slightly more austere 2016, the 2017 is the more open, convivial brother — without losing any depth.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2025, optimal today

Perfect For

A relaxed dinner with good friends. Its open, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted chicken, a kid goat stew with vegetables, a grilled leg of lamb, or a creamy, spiced cheese like Reblochon or Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge earns an average of 89 to 91 points from Wine-Searcher critics — consistently remarkable for a country wine from the hand of one of France's most respected winemakers. Connoisseurs worldwide describe it as the most fascinating entry point into the Reynaud universe: accessible, complex, unforgettable — and at a price that, given its origins, is frankly unjust.

  • What is it? A warm, opulent vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — by Emmanuel Reynaud, the creator of Château Rayas.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
  • Tastes Like? Cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, garrigue, licorice and black pepper.
  • Critics score? 89/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours

2016 versus 2017: Two Characters, One Soul

When you have two vintages of the same wine in your cellar — and you have the rare fortune of owning both — the same question always arises: which one do you open first? For the Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge, the answer is more complex and more interesting than one might think.

The 2016 is the introverted vintage. Cool, precise, with a tension and minerality one would more likely expect from a great Burgundy. It needs time — in the glass, in the decanter, in the cellar. It is the wine for the evening that unfolds slowly, that reveals itself layer by layer, that stays with you the next morning.

The 2017 is its sociable sibling. Warmer, rounder, more open — accessible from the first sip, seductive, immediate. It needs less time. It comes to you rather than waiting. It is the wine for the moment, for the impromptu dinner, for the first glass that immediately calls for a second.

Both come from the same hands, the same vines, the same cellar. And yet they tell different stories — like two chapters of the same novel, read at different volumes.

Silence as Method

What sets Reynaud apart from almost all other winemakers is not just his philosophy — it is his silence. He gives no interviews. He attends no trade fairs. He publishes no tasting notes. He sends no press releases. The wine speaks. The winemaker is quiet.

In an era where wine marketing has become louder than ever, this silence is radical. And it works, because the wine is strong enough to speak for itself — in every vintage, in every bottle, in every glass.

The 2017 is a particularly fine example of this. Warm, direct, seductive — and yet with that unmistakable Reynaud depth that elevates it above all other country wines in its category. You drink it and think: nobody else can do this. And you are right.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2823 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 11:19:26 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2819 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours: The Greatest Secret of a Modest Label

Emmanuel Reynaud — guardian of Château Rayas, the most sacred estate in the southern Rhône — produces under the Domaine des Tours label a wine that overturns everything one thinks one knows about French wine geography. A simple "Vin de Pays de Vaucluse" — no appellation, no prestige designation — built around a grape variety nobody expects in the Rhône Valley: Merlot, wrapped in Grenache, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah. The 2016 vintage was cool and elegant, with perfect fruit ripeness and no excess — exactly what Reynaud's quiet philosophy demands. The result is a wine that connoisseurs regularly identify blind as a Burgundian Pinot Noir or a great Pomerol. And which arrives at a price that, given its quality and origin, is frankly scandalous.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, transparent ruby — the unmistakable Reynaud fingerprint. The nose is captivating: ripe red fruits, sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and a delicate hint of moist tobacco and spice. On the palate, silky, caressing, medium-bodied with a remarkably fresh acidity and finely polished tannins. No heaviness, no extraction — pure, clear fruit carried by finesse. The finish is long, aromatic and mineral. A wine that unfolds hour by hour in the glass. At least one hour of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak

Perfect For

A relaxed but elegant dinner. Its silky, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a wood-fire entrecôte, a lamb tagine with herbs, duck breast with cherries, or a creamy aged goat's cheese such as Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2016 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — remarkable for a simple country wine. James Suckling has raved about similar vintages of the same wine, describing the quality as "silky and caressing, with cherry, pomegranate and wild herbs — vivid and pristine, with a purity that explodes on the finish." Connoisseurs consistently name it one of the best value wines in the entire Rhône Valley — the entry ticket into the world of Rayas.

  • What is it? France's most fascinating country wine — an IGP Vaucluse from the hand of the creator of Château Rayas, which drinks like a great Burgundy.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
  • Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and moist tobacco.
  • Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours

Domaine des Tours: The Wine Without a Title — and Without an Ego

In the world of wine, names matter. Appellations. Classified Growths. Premier Crus. Grand Crus. The hierarchy is clear, the rules are written, the prices follow obediently.

And then Emmanuel Reynaud makes a Vin de Pays de Vaucluse — a country wine, the most modest category in the French system — that not merely ignores this hierarchy, but sidesteps it with a quiet laugh.

Why Domaine des Tours Has No Appellation — and Doesn’t Need One

Domaine des Tours is a separate project within Château des Tours. Same 40 hectares in Sarrians, same old vines, same organic methods, same winemaker. The difference lies in the blend: the Domaine des Tours Rouge includes Merlot — a grape variety permitted by no Rhône appellation. The wine therefore falls automatically into the Vin de Pays category. No appellation. No prestige label. No problem.

Reynaud could have dropped the Merlot. He could have produced a tidy Vacqueyras or Côtes du Rhône. He did not, because he believes that this blend — with Merlot as the structural backbone, embedded in the aromatic complexity of Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault — produces the most interesting wine. Full stop.

The Method: Whole Cluster, Concrete, Time

The wines of Château des Tours and Domaine des Tours undergo whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in underground concrete tanks, followed by ageing in a combination of old oak barrels and tanks. No fining. No filtration. What the grape gives arrives in the glass.

The Merlot — that foreign body in the Rhône Valley — is aged for twelve months in barriques with 30% new oak. Not to add wood flavours, but to integrate structure and maturity. When it works, the result is something no other producer in the region achieves: a wine of Burgundian finesse born under Provençal sun.

The Paradox: A “Small” Wine of Unexpected Greatness

In many vintages, connoisseurs tasting Domaine des Tours blind enthuse about a great Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits. Or about a Pomerol. Nobody — truly nobody — guesses a country wine from the Vaucluse.

That is the quiet genius of Emmanuel Reynaud. He needs no label, no appellation, no points to show what he is capable of. The wine speaks for itself — quietly, clearly, undeniably.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2819 Ornellaia 1996, Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/ornellaia-1996-tenuta-dellornellaia-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/ornellaia-1996-tenuta-dellornellaia-3/#respond Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:15:12 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2706 Ornellaia 1996, Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia - Ornellaia is one of the founding fathers of the "Super Tuscan" movement. Born in the coastal region of Bolgheri, this wine proved that Italy could produce Bordeaux-style blends that rival the greatest estates in the world. The 1996 vintage is a classicist's dream. While often overshadowed by the warmer and flashier 1997, 1996 offered a cooler, longer growing season. This resulted in a wine of profound elegance, firm structure, and incredible longevity. Now fully mature, it is a magnificent piece of Italian winemaking history.

What's it Like?

It pours a deep, mature garnet with a brick rim. The nose is a complex, fully evolved bouquet of dried black cherries, cedar wood, old leather, sweet tobacco, and crushed graphite. On the palate, the youthful fruit has gracefully transformed into savory, tertiary flavors. It is medium-to-full-bodied, with tannins that have melted into a silky texture, driven by a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine incredibly fresh despite its age. The finish is long, earthy, and aristocratic.

Perfect For

A milestone celebration or an intimate dinner with fellow wine aficionados. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, specifically a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino cheese.

The Critics Agree...

Critics have long praised the 1996 for its "Bordeaux-like" character and firm backbone. Reviews highlight its "classic structure," "aristocratic elegance," and "cedary, tobacco-laced fruit." It is often cited as a vintage that rewarded patience, finally reaching its glorious peak after decades in the cellar.

  • What is it? A fully mature, legendary Super Tuscan from a classic vintage.

  • From? Bolgheri (Tuscany), Italy.

  • Grapes? Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

  • Tastes Like? Dried cherry, cedar, sweet tobacco, old leather, and graphite.

]]> Ornellaia 1996, Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia: The Super Tuscan Dream

In the early 1980s, the coastal region of Bolgheri in Tuscany was largely a swampy, forgotten landscape, famous only for peaches and strawberries. But Marchese Lodovico Antinori saw something else. Inspired by the success of his cousin’s Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) and his own travels to California and Bordeaux, he founded Tenuta dell’Ornellaia in 1981. His vision was bold: to plant classic Bordeaux grape varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—on the Tuscan coast and create wines that could rival the absolute best in the world.

A Unique Coastal Terroir The magic of Ornellaia lies in its unique geography. Situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards benefit from constant cooling sea breezes that moderate the intense summer heat. The soils are a complex, ancient mosaic of marine, alluvial, and volcanic elements. This diversity allows each grape variety to be planted exactly where it will thrive. The result is a perfect balance between the ripe, opulent fruit character of the Tuscan sun and the structured, elegant backbone of the Bordeaux varieties.

The Pursuit of Excellence From the very beginning, Ornellaia operated on a philosophy of uncompromising quality. This means severe pruning, manicured vineyards, and harvesting block by block only when the grapes reach perfect phenolic maturity. Today, the estate is owned by the Frescobaldi family, another legendary Tuscan wine dynasty, who have fiercely protected Lodovico’s original vision. Ornellaia is not just a winery; it is a testament to human intuition and the absolute pinnacle of the Super Tuscan movement.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/ornellaia-1996-tenuta-dellornellaia-3/feed/ 0 2706 Bianco Rovere Merlot Bianco 2023, Brivio, Magnum https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/bianco-rovere-merlot-bianco-2023-brivio-magnum-2/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/bianco-rovere-merlot-bianco-2023-brivio-magnum-2/#respond Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:15:46 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2581 Bianco Rovere Merlot Bianco 2023, Brivio, Magnum - Ticino is famous for its red Merlot, but Guido Brivio did something extraordinary: he created a masterpiece by vinifying red Merlot grapes as a white wine. "Bianco Rovere" translates to "White Oak," hinting at its luxurious barrel fermentation. The 2023 vintage, presented in a magnificent Magnum format, is a rich, structured, and highly gastronomic wine that challenges everything you thought you knew about Merlot.

What's it Like?

It pours a brilliant golden-yellow. The nose is intense and elegant, offering a complex bouquet of white peach, exotic fruits, and citrus blossoms, seamlessly integrated with sweet spices, vanilla, and toasted almonds from its time in French oak barriques. On the palate, it is full-bodied, creamy, and deeply structured, yet it maintains a beautiful, vibrant acidity. The finish is long, savory, and exceptionally harmonious.

Perfect For

Elevated dining experiences where you might normally pour a rich White Burgundy. It is the ultimate companion for roasted veal, creamy mushroom risotto, rich lake fish dishes, or aged alpine cheeses.

The Critics Agree...

Critics consistently praise Bianco Rovere as one of the finest white wines in Switzerland. It is often celebrated for its "creamy texture" and "perfect oak integration." It is a wine that marries power with finesse, proving that the Ticino terroir can produce world-class whites.

  • What is it? A luxurious, oak-aged white wine made entirely from red Merlot grapes.

  • From? Ticino, Switzerland.

  • Grapes? 100% Merlot (Blanc de Noirs).

  • Tastes Like? White peach, vanilla, toasted almonds, and citrus.

  • Format: Magnum (1.5L) - perfect for aging and grand dinners.

]]> Bianco Rovere Merlot Bianco 2023, Brivio, Magnum

Brivio: The Modern Architect of Ticino Merlot

In the often tradition-bound wine world of Switzerland, Brivio Vini stands out as a beacon of innovation and uncompromising quality. Founded in the late 1980s by Guido Brivio, the estate played a pivotal role in the qualitative revolution of Ticino wine. Guido Brivio recognized the immense potential of Switzerland’s southernmost canton and set out to prove that Ticino Merlot could compete with the great wines of the world.

A Community of Terroir Brivio’s philosophy relies on a strong connection to the local community. Rather than owning vast, unbroken tracts of vineyards, the winery collaborates with a network of numerous small-scale grape growers across the Mendrisiotto region. These dedicated viticulturists tend to their tiny parcels with the utmost care. The grapes are then brought to Brivio’s state-of-the-art cellars, where cutting-edge technology meets traditional maturation in French oak barriques. This combination of old soils and precise cellar work is the secret to their success.

The Modern Benchmark Today, the Brivio name is synonymous with modern, elegant, and structured Ticino wine. Whether it is the groundbreaking white Merlot “Bianco Rovere” or the prestigious red “Riflessi d’Epoca”, every bottle is an expression of deep respect for the terroir. The winery has permanently shaped the perception of Swiss wines on the international stage, proving that visionary thinking can yield true masterpieces.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/bianco-rovere-merlot-bianco-2023-brivio-magnum-2/feed/ 0 2581 Tenuta di Trinoro 2019, 1,5 L Magnum https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/tenuta-di-trinoro-2019-15-l-magnum-2/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/tenuta-di-trinoro-2019-15-l-magnum-2/#respond Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:44:13 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2416 Tenuta di Trinoro 2019, 1,5 L Magnum -This is one of the most exotic and coveted cult wines in all of Italy. Created by the late, visionary Andrea Franchetti in the remote Val d'Orcia, Tenuta di Trinoro is a Bordeaux blend that tastes like nothing else on earth. The 2019 vintage is spectacular—a year of perfect balance that allowed Franchetti to craft a wine of immense power and surprising freshness. Presented in a rare Magnum format within its original wooden case, this is a collector's holy grail meant to last a lifetime.

What's it Like?

This wine is a sensory explosion. It is incredibly concentrated and rich, yet never heavy. The nose is a complex, exotic perfume of blueberry jam, cassis, incense, graphite, and mint. On the palate, the high percentage of Cabernet Franc (60%) shines through, offering a silky, velvety texture and deep, savory spice notes. It fills the mouth with layers of dark fruit and crushed rocks, finishing with a long, vibrating energy that is the signature of this wild, high-altitude terroir.

Perfect For

The ultimate gift for a serious wine investor or the centerpiece of a decadent dinner party. This wine demands rich food: think roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, wild boar stew, or truffles.

The Pros Agree...

Critics have showered the 2019 with praise, recognizing it as one of the estate's finest achievements. They consistently highlight its "opulence" and "structural grandeur." Reviewers describe a "kaleidoscope of aromas" ranging from blue flowers to exotic spices, noting that the Magnum format will allow this "massive yet elegant" wine to evolve gracefully for 30 years or more.

  • What is it? A cult-status, exotic Super Tuscan from a legendary winemaker.

  • From? Val d'Orcia (Tuscany), Italy.

  • Grapes? 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot.

  • Tastes Like? Blueberry jam, incense, graphite, mint, and exotic spices.

  • Format: 1.5 Liters (Magnum) in Original Wooden Case (OHK/OWC).

]]> Tenuta di Trinoro 2019, 1,5 L Magnum

If you drive south through Tuscany, past the manicured hills of Chianti and Montalcino, you eventually reach a place that feels like the end of the world. This is the Val d’Orcia—a wild, lunar landscape of blue clay and crumbling limestone. For centuries, this was sheep country, devoid of vineyards. That is, until Andrea Franchetti arrived.

Franchetti, who passed away in 2021, was one of the wine world’s true eccentrics and visionaries. Related to the Rothschild family and the artist Cy Twombly, he lived a bohemian life before deciding, in the 1990s, to plant a vineyard in this remote “no man’s land.” Everyone thought he was crazy. The climate was extreme, the isolation total.

But Franchetti saw something no one else did. He saw similarities to the great soils of Saint-Émilion. He planted Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot—at incredibly high densities, forcing the vines to fight for survival. His philosophy was simple but brutal: very low yields and extreme ripeness. He would often harvest weeks later than his neighbors, waiting for the grapes to shrivel slightly, concentrating their sugars and flavors.

The result was an overnight sensation. Tenuta di Trinoro became an instant cult classic, proving that this wild corner of Tuscany could produce wines of shocking power, exotic perfume, and longevity. Today, the estate stands as a lonely, magnificent monument to one man’s daring vision to create a Grand Cru where there was once only wilderness.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/tenuta-di-trinoro-2019-15-l-magnum-2/feed/ 0 2416 Château Hosanna 1999 https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/chateau-hosanna-1999-2/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/chateau-hosanna-1999-2/#respond Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:43:43 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2419 Château Hosanna 1999 - This bottle represents a significant moment in Pomerol history: 1999 was the very first vintage of "Château Hosanna." Created by the legendary Christian Moueix (the owner of Pétrus) from the best parcels of the former Château Certan-Giraud, this wine was designed from day one to be a superstar. Located right next to Pétrus and Lafleur, it sits on some of the finest red clay and gravel in the world. This debut vintage is now fully mature, offering a rare chance to taste the birth of an icon.

What's it Like?

This is classic, mature Pomerol at its finest. It has shed its youthful fruit to reveal a complex, savory soul. Expect a decadent nose of black truffles, forest floor, cedar, and sweet dried plums, with a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is incredibly soft and silky. The tannins have completely melted away, leaving a texture like cashmere. It is not a loud wine, but a gentle, elegant, and persistent one that speaks of its noble terroir.

Perfect For

A quiet, appreciative tasting with close friends who understand the history of Bordeaux. It pairs beautifully with simple, high-quality dishes like roast squab, mushrooms on toast, or a truffle pasta.

The Pros Agree...

Critics recognized the potential of this estate immediately. Upon release, Robert Parker called it "a star of the vintage," praising its "rich, concentrated" style and notes of "mocha, caramel, and black cherry jam." Today, it is celebrated for its elegance and the successful integration of its high Cabernet Franc percentage (30%), which gives it a floral, spicy lift similar to Cheval Blanc.

  • What is it? The very first vintage of this "Petrus neighbor" created by the Moueix family.

  • From? Pomerol (Bordeaux), France.

  • Grapes? 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc.

  • Tastes Like? Black truffles, dried plums, dark chocolate, cedar, and earth.

]]> Château Hosanna 1999

In the fiercely competitive world of Bordeaux, it is almost impossible to create a new “legend” overnight. Yet, that is exactly what Christian Moueix—the man behind Château Pétrus—did with Château Hosanna.

The story begins in 1999. The Moueix family purchased the historic Château Certan-Giraud, a property located on the prestigious Pomerol plateau. Christian Moueix, with his incredible eye for terroir, realized that the estate was actually two distinct vineyards masked as one. He sold off the lesser parcels and kept only the “heart”: a small, jewel-like plot of old vines situated directly between Château Pétrus, Château Lafleur, and Vieux Château Certan.

He renamed this prime plot Château Hosanna.

The terroir here is arguably the best in the world for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It features the same blue clay found at Pétrus (which gives power and depth) mixed with the red gravel found at Lafleur (which gives elegance and aromatics). But the secret weapon of Hosanna is its magnificent old-vine Cabernet Franc. These vines, some of which date back to the 1950s, give the wine a distinct floral complexity and finesse that often draws comparisons to the legendary Château Cheval Blanc.

Today, Hosanna is often called the “feminine” counterpart to the “masculine” Château Trotanoy (another Moueix property). It is a wine of grace, silky texture, and profound depth, proving that while the name may be young, the soul of the vineyard is ancient and noble.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/chateau-hosanna-1999-2/feed/ 0 2419 Siepi 2018, Castello di Fonterutoli (Mazzei), 3L Doppelmagnum https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/siepi-2018-castello-di-fonterutoli-mazzei-3l-doppelmagnum/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/siepi-2018-castello-di-fonterutoli-mazzei-3l-doppelmagnum/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:21:29 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2352 Siepi 2018, Castello di Fonterutoli (Mazzei), 3L Doppelmagnum - This is one of the most historical and celebrated Super Tuscans in existence, often cited as one of the "50 Wines that changed Italy." Produced by the Marchesi Mazzei family, who have owned the estate since 1435, Siepi is a perfect 50/50 marriage of Sangiovese and Merlot. In this massive 3-liter Double Magnum, you have a collector's dream that will age effortlessly for decades, showcasing the elegance of the fresh 2018 vintage on a grand scale.

What's it Like?

This wine defines balance. The Merlot provides a lush, velvety texture and deep notes of dark chocolate and plum, while the Sangiovese adds a vibrant backbone of fresh acidity, red cherry, and earthy spice. The 2018 vintage is particularly sophisticated, offering a nose of crushed violets, lavender, elderflower, and cedar. It is rich and concentrated, yet incredibly agile, finishing with a savory, mineral complexity that is the signature of the rocky limestone soils of Fonterutoli.

Perfect For

The ultimate centerpiece for a large celebration or a holiday feast. It is designed to be shared. Pair it with wild boar ragu, a massive grilled T-bone steak, or aged Pecorino cheese.

The Critics Agree...

Critics loved the refinement of the 2018 Siepi. James Suckling awarded it 97 points, praising its "aromas of blackberries, violets and lavender" and noting that it is "full-bodied, tight and focused" with "fine tannins." It is celebrated for how seamlessly the two grape varieties are woven together.

  • What is it? A legendary 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot in a rare large format.

  • From? Chianti Classico zone (Tuscany), Italy.

  • Grapes? 50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese.

  • Tastes Like? Dark chocolate, black cherry, lavender, cedar, and earth.

  • Format: 3 Liters (Double Magnum) - holds 4 standard bottles.

]]> Siepi 2018, Castello di Fonterutoli (Mazzei), 3L Doppelmagnum

To understand the history of Chianti Classico, one must understand the history of the Mazzei family. Since 1435—for 24 generations—the family has owned and protected the hamlet of Fonterutoli, located just south of Castellina in Chianti. But their connection goes back even further: it was an ancestor, Ser Lapo Mazzei, who authored the very first known document mentioning “Chianti wine” in 1398. In many ways, this estate is not just part of the region; it is the cradle of the region.

The Stones of Knowledge The estate covers 650 hectares, but only 117 are planted with vines. The defining feature of this terroir is the soil. Fonterutoli is famous for its “Alberese” and “Galestro” limestone rocks. In fact, the ground is so stony that the wines are often described as being “carved from rock.” This unique geology gives the Sangiovese here a distinct personality: it is not just fruity, but structurally complex, mineral-driven, and incredibly elegant. It is the antithesis of the heavy, over-oaked wines of the past; these are wines of nervous energy and finesse.

The Cathedral of Wine While the history is ancient, the winemaking is cutting-edge. The family recently unveiled a stunning new cellar designed by family member Agnese Mazzei. Carved deep into the hillside, it is an architectural masterpiece that relies entirely on gravity. The grapes are never pumped, which can bruise the skins and release bitter tannins. Instead, they flow naturally from the crushing pad down into the fermentation tanks and finally into the barrel room deep underground.

This cellar represents the philosophy of the Mazzei family: a deep respect for tradition powered by modern intelligence. From their flagship “Siepi” to their Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, every bottle from Castello di Fonterutoli is a testament to nearly six centuries of dedication to one of Italy’s most noble landscapes.

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