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Chateau Vaugelas

Chateau Vaugelas, in Corbières, is a classic example of how outside expertise and investment can benefit a property, and so a whole wine region. A domaine with some history, Chateau Vaugelas has been the seat of the Bonfils family for five generations, and they have tended vineyards filled with the traditional varieties of the south; Grenache, Carignan and so on. There are 110 hectares in all, on argilo-limestone soils mixed with some of the large galets otherwise found in Châteauneuf du Pape. In 1996 the property saw some investment and renovation, and now boasts an impressive cellar. Most significant has been the involvement of oenologist Robert Dejean and Georges Pauli, technical director since 1990 at Chateau Gruaud Larose.

The range of wines produced here includes several cuvées of Corbières, encompassing Le Prieuré, Cuvée Prestige, Cuvée La Tour de Mir and a new premium cuvée, called simply 'V'. This is a blend of 30% each of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre, aged in oak for twelve months. (12/7/04)

Contact details:
Address: 11200 Camplong d'Aude
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 43 68 41
Fax: +33 (0) 4 68 43 57 43
Internet: www.chateauvaugelas.com

Chateau Vaugelas - Tasting Notes

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Chateau Vaugelas Corbières 'V' 2004: This has a really dark and dense hue in the glass, with a deep red-black core fading out to a plump, ripe, raspberry rim. The nose is just entrancing, although perhaps not for the usual reasons. I am not usually an admirer of overt oak on the nose, but here we have a broad layer of complex, spicy aromas much of which is derived from the 12 months in oak I think. There are fresh, dark, cedary shavings, joined by little notes of butterscotch and charcoal, alongside dark and savoury fruits. The palate remains really very fresh and lively despite this, with ripe and plump fruits backed up by a core of tannins and an envelope of charred, spiced-oak characteristics. It has a wonderful presence on the palate, clean and well defined, a little lactic, with plenty of grip and structure beneath, and moderate acidity. I have to confess I find this delicious and easy to drink, I think because the oak seems to add spice and a touch of Mouton-like exoticism rather than the usual drab toffee-like aroma, but I accept that those allergic to such character in a wine may not find this so appealing. It finishes with a flourish of ripe tannins, and shows plenty of substance. This is great (and great-value) wine. For label images and more see my Wine of the Week write-up. 17/20 (December 2008)

Chateau Vaugelas Corbières 'V' 2001: A dark, red-black hue. It has a very typical nose, loaded with sweet cherry and herby fruit. In the background lies some smoky oak. The palate displays bright, vibrant cherry and strawberry fruit with plenty of depth. It has a rounded, slightly chewy texture, and good extract backed up by some ripe tannins. This is lovely. 16.5/20 (July 2004) Label

Chateau Vaugelas Corbières Cuvée Prestige 2000: A vibrant, richly coloured wine in the glass. Youthful, with a dense core. Lovely, fruit-driven nose, which suggests a blend of the typical southern French varieties; cherry fruit, herbs and garrigue aromas. On the palate it displays a pencil-lead fruit and a lean to medium body, but with juicy acidity and a pleasing freshness. An approachable wine very typical of the south, and lovely with food. 16/20 (July 2004) Label

Chateau Vaugelas Corbières Cuvée Prestige 1997: An attractive although not dense red-purple colour. The nose holds aromas of sensibly applied vanillin American oak, black fruit and garrigue herbs. The palate has plenty of extract, good fruit, soft tannins, good acidity, attractive mouthfeel and attractive black (Syrah) and white (Grenache) pepper notes. Fleshed out nicely with aeration and finishes well. 16/20 (September 2000)