Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux
Gigondas - Vacqueyras (Rhône Valley)

The Estate
 The Domaine was founded in 1905 by Gabriel Archimbaud and is now run by Maurice Vache and his two sons Jean-Michel and Frédéric. The Archimbaud and Vache families are among the oldest ones in Vacqueyras. The oldest part of the property dates back to the 12th century and belonged to "Les Chevaliers de l'Ordre des Templiers" (the Templar Knights). An ancient Moorish Tower sits on the property, the Tower of Sarrazine in ruins.


Jean-Michel Vache

The Vineyard
 The estate spreads over 40 hectares (98.8 acres) of vineyard land: 
- 25 ha in Gigondas. The quality of the soil is outstanding and the sun exposure is optimal due to the special location of the vineyard, surrounded by the rocky massif of the "Dentelles de Montmirail", upon which is built the Sarrazine tower.
- 15 ha in Vacqueyras, on sandy-clayey and sunny slopes.
The vineyards are planted to 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The vines are 40-50 year old. The annual production is 8,800 to 10,000 cases. The average yield is 28 hl/ha.
The vines are cultivated with utmost respect to the environment. Only Bordeaux mixture (antifungal agent consisting of a solution of copper sulfate and quicklime) and sulfur is used in the phytosanitary (pertaining to the health of plant) and vineyard treatment. At all times, the vineyards are manually tended, including manual harvest. To ensure optimal quality, only the best grapes are selected during a green harvest in Summer which eliminates at least 20% of the production.
Each grape variety is picked at its optimum maturity and vinified separately. Syrah is usually harvested first, followed by Grenache and then Mourvèdre. The whole clusters are placed into specially equipped bins having a  screw in the bottom that allow the grapes to fall into the tanks without any crushing. This near carbonic fermentation period depends on the grape varieties and the conditions. When the fermentation is complete, the varietal wines are blended together (typically in November).
The maturation takes place first in stainless steel tanks for the juice to settle, then in concrete or enamel tanks. The wines mature in the cellars for at least 2 years before bottling. There is no fining, and only a light filtration to limit the natural deposit on the bottle.

The Wines


shelf talker


shelf talker

#F0EE132030GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2005 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 45 year old vines on average.
Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry,  pepper and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Enjoy with game meat or strong cheeses.

 "Dark ruby. Exotic, floral-dominated bouquet offers spicy red and dark berry scents, along with blood orange, garrigue and black olive. Spicy and sharply defined, with sweet raspberry and cassis flavors, supple tannins and excellent spicy length.
- International Wine Cellar (Jan. 08), 89 pts

 National Retail Price: $28.95 / bottle



shelf talker




shelf talker









shelf talker

#F0EE132031GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00340 2
2005 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
A Syrah & Grenache blend dominated by Syrah.
Deep color. Intense and persistent red fruits, spice and violet aromas. Intense black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors. Explosive fruit tannins give the sweet, creamy flavors structure and focus, bright and uplifting on the finish.
Enjoy this wine when young with grilled beef and bearnaise sauce, lamb and thyme. After 7-10 years excellent with game meats.

"Ruby-red. Exotically perfumed aromas of ripe raspberry, herbs and anise, with a deep black tea quality. Supple red fruit preserve flavors are gently firmed by dusty tannins, which build through a long, refreshingly bitter finish. Give this pretty, juicy midweight a couple of years in the cellar."
- International Wine Cellar (Jan. 08), 90 pts


#F0EE13234
UPC code: 7 84585 00340 2
2004 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
"Earth, pepper, and terroir characteristics are found in the 2004 Vacqueyras Cuvee des Templiers. A deep plum/ruby hue is followed by a spicy, earthy, peppery, herbal-tinged wine with sweet kirsch notes in the background. Those who prefer spice over fruit may prefer it to the other two cuvees."
 - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate, 88 pts
(Issue 169)

National Retail Price: $24.99 / bottle