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 W
ines


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UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2008 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"
Deep ruby. Fresh red berries and flowers on the nose, with notes of Asian spices and minerals adding complexity. Offers sweet red and dark berry flavors underscored by smoky minerals. Gains power with air, finishing with dusty tannins and good spicy persistence. "
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 87-89 pts

#F0EE132000GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2007 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.

"Ruby-red. Fragrant, floral bouquet of raspberry, cherry and smoky herbs, with a zesty minerality adding vivacity. Sweet red fruit and floral pastille flavors stain the palate, with an exotic note of blood orange providing further lift. I would bet on this racy wine's ability to age well on its balance. "
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 91 pts

"
This estate’s 2007 Gigondas La Tour Sarrazine is a winner. Seductive notes of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, pepper, and lavender soar from the glass of this expressive, open-knit, round, ripe, medium to full-bodied, lush, succulent Gigondas. With outstanding purity and abundant upfront fruit and appeal, it can be enjoyed over the next 6-7 years."
- Wine Advocate (October 09), 90 pts

2006 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"Saturated ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas of raspberry, aged steak, burning tobacco and garrigue Pretty wild on the palate, with deep, sweet red and dark berry compote, licorice and smoked meat flavors. Supple in texture, with strong finishing notes of blackberry and tobacco. Not for the faint of heart."
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 09), 90 pts


#F0EE132030GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2005 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"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



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#F0EE132001GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00340 2
2007 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml

A blend of 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache.
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.

"Deep, vivid ruby. Pungent red and dark berries on the nose, with smoky and spicy qualities gaining strength with air. Juicy raspberry and kirsch flavors stain the palate and are lifted by nervy minerality. The spicy note repeats strongly on the impressively focused and very persistent finish. Five more years of patience should be rewarded."
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 92 pts

"
Proprietor Earl Archimbaud-Vache’s 2007 Vacqueyras Les Templiers is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of blackberry and black cherry fruit with a hint of grilled meat and floral undertones. It is a rich, beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied wine with some tannins still to shed. I would actually cellar this for 1-2 years and drink it over the following 7-10 years. This comes from 30- to 60-year-old vines."
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Wine Advocate (October 09), 89+ pts

2006 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
"Far superior is the 2006 Vacqueyras Les Templiers, an equal part blend of Grenache and Syrah from 20-50-year old vines. Made in a sexy, plummy, opulent style, it displays a deep ruby color, abundant black cherry, cassis, and plum fruit, earth, and lavender. This fleshy 2006 should drink nicely for 3-4 years. "
- Wine Advocate (Feb. 09), 89 pts


2005 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
"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

National Retail Price: $24.99 / bottle