Richeaume - (Archived)

In 1987 in his book The Wines of the Rhone Valley and Provence a young Robert Parker proclaimed Domaine Richeaume “the single best estate in the Cotes de Provence.” Twenty years have passed and Richeaume is still putting out some of the finest wines in Provence. In 1972 Henning Hoesch founded the domaine and became a trailblazer of sorts in that region. He was one of the first to farm organically and one of the earliest winemakers to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence. In 1992 Hoeshs’ son became involved in the winemaking for the estate. He twice worked at legendary Ridge Winery in California and brought back wisdom to further advance his father’s domaine. The lessons concerning grape maturity and tannin resulted in “wines far denser and more succulent than in the past…” as observed by Andrew Jefford in the New France. The two wines we offer are notable for being age worthy and highly drinkable in their youth. The first is Cuvée Tradition a blend of equal parts Cabernet and Grenache and in certain vintages a small amount of Syrah. This wine is a perfect venue to showcase the defining characteristics of each varietal: the bold structure of Cabernet and the smooth elegance of Grenache. The other, Cuvée Columelle contains a blend of Cabernet (50%), Syrah (40%), and Grenache (10%). The best fruit is reserved for Cuvée Columelle, surely one of Provence’s great wines.