Chateau de Rouanne is a historic Vinsobres estate anchored by a 12th‑century medieval castle on an ancient Roman site, now revitalized by Louis Barruol of Château de Saint Cosme, who purchased it in 2019 after years of sourcing fruit from its 153 acres of vines. Nestled in the cooler northern reaches of the Southern Rhône—where the Alpine “Pontias” wind preserves freshness—Vinsobres is known for vibrant, Grenache‑driven reds, and Barruol’s inaugural 2018 vintage reflects his signature style: marrying the lift and energy of this cool‑climate terroir with the ripe, expressive character of the Rhône, awakening what he calls a “sleeping beauty” of the region.
Aromas of raspberry, violet, licorice, peony, black pepper, gingerbread, cinnamon, allspice, rhubarb compote, cedar, and warm spice. On the palate, round, smooth, with an astonishing salinity and great length.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
93 Jeb Dunnuck The 2022 Vinsobres is a beautifully elegant wine, offering complex aromas of spice, red and black fruits, and cracked pepper. Medium-bodied and finely structured, it has a seamless mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a graceful finish. A wine of balance and charm, it should drink well over the next decade. Range: 91-93
93 James Suckling Dark and meaty with a wealth of wild-blackberry aromas, this is bold and powerful on the full-bodied palate. Generous fine-grained tannins. Incredible mountain freshness on the front- and mid-palates then intense licorice flavor in the long, very focused finish. A cuvee of 70% grenache, 20% syrah and 10% mourvedre. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now but best from 2026.
93 Wine Enthusiast Upon first whiff, this wine evokes the spirit of Barruol, with a spicy red berry and rhubarb compote bouquet lifted by cedar and warm spice. Though still tightly wound, it hints at layered complexity beneath the surface. With aeration, the palate expands, weaving garrigue into pure plumy fruit, topped with a savory layer of Nyons olives. A wine of quiet power and elegance—best revisited after 2030 to witness its charming expression.
