2017 Domaine de Trevallon Alpilles Rouge

Formed in the early 1970's, with the first vintage 1976, Domaine de Trevallon have become one of the most famous and respected properties in Southern France. After graduating his architecture degree, Eloi Durrbach set south aiming to make natural wines with a sense of place and ability to age with ease. Planting now comprises 15 hectares of red grapes, equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, plus 2 hectares of Marsanne and Roussanne. All grapes have been grown and treated organically since their planting.

Alpilles Rouge is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah, aged for 24 months in old foudre and barrels with a minimum amount of racking during this time. The grapes are not destemmed, and vinification occurs with natural yeasts and no sulphur. While this wine is generally opulent and indulgent in its youth, it famously rewards time in the cellar, beautifully evolving slowly over decades.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Alpilles Rouge is flat-out delicious. Ripe, plummy and forward, the 2017 offers tremendous immediacy. If I didn’t know how well Trévallon ages, I would be tempted to set an earlier drinking window, but the best is clearly yet to come. Next to other vintages that display a good bit of ripeness, the 2017 remains medium in body and silky. Sweet red berry fruit, flowers, cedar and earthy notes lead into the vibrant, translucent finish. I hope I can capture just how captivating the 2017 is. Drink 2027 - 2047.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous