Vidal-Fleury 2021 Côte Du Rhône Rouge

Vidal-Fleury 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge is a vibrant and approachable southern Rhône red that balances juicy red fruit with Provençal spice, garrigue herbal nuances, and a smooth, polished finish. Elegant yet lively, it offers both immediate drinkability and thoughtful complexity — a benchmark for classic Côtes-du-Rhône style that has earned strong praise from respected critics.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Vidal-Fleury, one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic houses, crafts this wine from a blend of vineyards planted across the warm, sun-soaked slopes of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC.

Key production highlights:

• Varietal Composition: Classic Rhône blend dominated by Grenache with complementary contributions from Syrah and Mourvèdre, creating a tapestry of fruit, spice, and structural nuance.

• Terroir: Mixed alluvial and limestone soils, with influences of pebble and sand, contribute both heat retention and freshness.

• Winemaking: Controlled, traditional fermentation and gentle extraction capture bright fruit and nuanced spice while preserving balance.

• Aging: Neutral and lightly seasoned oak help refine texture without obscuring varietal purity.

The result is a wine that delivers vibrant fruit energy, smooth tannins, and a versatile palate.

Critics Reviews & Scores

The 2021 Vidal-Fleury Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge has been well received by professional critics, earning notable scores that reflect both quality and consistency:

• James Suckling — 93 / 100
  Suckling highlights the wine’s ripe red cherry and raspberry fruit, hints of pepper spice, and balanced structure. His score emphasizes the wine’s vibrancy and overall harmony.

• Wine Enthusiast — 91 / 100
  Wine Enthusiast praises its juicy fruit core, expressive herbal notes, and savory spice — noting its versatility at the table and early approachability.

• Vinous — 92 / 100
  Vinous reviewers commend the 2021’s clarity of fruit, smooth texture, and spice profile, describing it as an excellent expression of Côtes-du-Rhône typicity.

Together, these scores place Vidal-Fleury 2021 in the low-to-mid-90s range — impressive for a classic regional Rhône red and indicative of its quality, balance, and broad appeal.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Fresh red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry aromas are complemented by Provençal garrigue herbs, cracked black pepper, and subtle violet petals. Hints of cinnamon bark and cedar add aromatic depth.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and juicy. Flavors of ripe red fruit — cherry, raspberry, and red plum — are carried by lively acidity and smooth, refined tannins. Mid-palate spice notes of white pepper, anise, and dried herbs enhance complexity, while gentle oak undertones provide texture.

Finish:
Clean, balanced, and lingering. Red fruit, peppery spice, and soft herbal echoes taper into a refined, refreshing close that invites another sip.

Quick Overview