Domaine Lafage Vignes Magiques Grenache/Syrah 2011

Jean-Marc [Lafage] poured a sample of his new Ventoux release, and I've opted to include it here as opposed to waiting for the southern Rhone report later this year. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that sees only concrete tank, the 2011 Ventoux Vignes Magiques comes all from a single vineyard (la Pantaline) and 50-70-year-old vines. It exhibits classic Ventoux white pepper, spice, underbrush and sweet Grenache fruit characteristics as well as a medium-bodied, lively and lightly textured feel on the palate. Overall elegant, pure and fresh, enjoy it over the coming 3-5 years. Score - 90. (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, April 2014)