Domaine Jaume Vinsobres Altitude 420 2020

Domaine Jaume Vinsobres Altitude 420 is an old-vine Grenache-Syrah blend from vineyards planted in Les Collines at some of the highest points in the Rhône. The Jaumes have farmed these dizzying elevations at their estate in Vinsobres for 100+ years.

The 2020 is one of his best yet, pristine and fresh, a bowl full of berried-up fruit yet with the tension and length that belies its humble price. Incredible bang for the buck, tailor-made for anyone’s house red, and a slam dunk for any kind of meat on the bone.

Of course I wasn’t thrilled to see Wine Spectator rave about this wine in their 90-point review, calling it “muscular” as well as “strapping and solid”. I guess we’ll just have to get used to some of our ‘top secret’ wines becoming critical darlings. I’m just not ready quite yet.