Louis Bernard Reviews

Medium salmon in hue, the nose of this rosé offers rhubarb, rose water and a savory edge. It is round on the palate with a midpalate of sweet spices. Its pithy and saline finish will leave you craving another glass to be enjoyed either ocean side or by the pool till sunset. — Anna-Christina Cabrales

Not yet bottled, the 2022 Vacqueyras is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre that's aging all in tank. Red, blue, and black fruits, as well as peppery, floral, and minty garrigue notes, all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, has plenty of fruit, and fine tannins.

Ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and floral/violet notes all shine in the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape, which is an incredibly consistent cuvée that always has a classic, balanced, satisfying style. The 2022 is no different.

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Crau Des Papes (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) comes all from pebbly soils and is brought up entirely in concrete tank. It has classic darker berry and peppery herbs as well as some subtle iron and nori notes in its medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant profile. The tannins here are nicely integrated, and it has a beautiful sense of freshness as well as solid mid-palate depth.

Rockingly pure black cherries, black raspberries, ground pepper, and floral notes all emerge from the 2022 Gigondas, another 2022 that will be a great value from this label. It's balanced, has terrific purity, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.

Black cherry; clove; plums; luscious fruit.

Slightly more expensive, the 2016 Vacqueyras Domaine de Montbayon is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that was brought up all in tank. It offers plenty of earthy black and blue fruits, peppery herbs and hints of violets in a full-bodied, impressively concentrated, balanced style. It’s just another outstanding looking barrel sample from this negociant. 

This Plump, succulent wine has enough cinnamon and peppery spice notes to maintain interest sip after sip. 

Year's Best Rhone
Red cherry flavors ring out with bell-tone clarity in this wine, herbal notes edging the ripe, juicy flavors. It feels cool and fresh, with a little vanilla and spice to smooth over the stony flavors beneath the fruit. 

Best Buy 
Firm and savory, this is all lemons and stones, the flavors kept fresh by the wine's bright acidity. 

Best Buy

This isn’t the biggest or ripest Côtes du Rhône, but it balances hints of greenness with fresh cherry fruit. The floral notes on the nose are attractive, while the wine finishes firm and crisp. Boisset Family Estates. —J.C. 

This well known négociant has turned in a sold effort. The nose is slightly herbal, but with attractive black-pepper shadings, while the fruit flavors favor dark skinned plum. Drink this medium-bodied, supple wine over the next few years. —J.C. 

Best Buy. This is waxy and broad, with earth and herbal notes curbing the sweetness of the fruit. Give it a light chill for a goat cheese salad.

Best Buy. Cherry bright and gamey, this is an easy pour for grilled fennel sausages.

Lightly nutty, with a toasted almond note followed by yellow apple and shortbread flavors. A dried pineapple hint shows on the finish.

Also well done and a fair value, the 2010 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Domaine Le Garrigon, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, shows loads of red and black fruits, leaf tobacco, damp earth, and pepper, to go with a medium-bodied, supple, lightly textured palate. There’s not much depth here, but it’s very well balanced, improves in the glass, and excels for its approachable, easy drinking character. It should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.