2014 Vacqueyras La Galejade, Domaine la Monardiere

Galéjade is a beautifully expressive white wine from Vacqueyras crafted from organically grown grapes (Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Clairette Blanche).  The 25-year-old vines thrive in the garrigue and sandy loam soils and are harvested by hand and fermented with native yeasts.  The wine undergoes 11 months of aging without racking, resulting in a full-bodied wine that pairs excellently with white meats, fish, and cheeses.  It can be enjoyed young or aged for a decade to gain greater aromatic complexity.

"Pale yellow. Aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, plus hints of honey and sweet butter in the background. Fleshy and generous in character, offering poached pear and nectarine flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of lemon zest. Closes with gentle grip, very good persistence and a lingering suggestion of lemon custard."  Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com, April 2016