Château Pesquié - Silica 2022

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A luxury cuvée from a single sandy site, the 2022 Ventoux Silica is 90% Grenache and 10% Cinsault, mostly fermented and aged in demi-muids. Explosive aromas of black cherries, stone fruit and dried spices burst forth on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, broad and expansive but silky and crisp at the same time, with a long finish and a restrained touch of mocha. Exciting stuff.

The accompanying wine reviews include notes taken over the past couple of years, either during visits to the region, or—on one occasion—when I met in the United States with the property's long-term American importer, Eric Solomon. Pesquié is one of Ventoux's benchmark estates, consistently turning out wines that for many years were great values. Now, the Chaudière family is making even greater strides in their pursuit of quality. The Château Pesquié wines are certified organic, while the Le Paradou line of Vin de France wines are not. As in the rest of the Rhône, the 2021 vintage is easily eclipsed by the 2020 and 2022 vintages, but it shouldn't be discounted entirely.

Jamie Goode

Jeb Dunnuck

Coming from sandy, loamy soils, the 2022 Ventoux Silica is a gorgeous wine, offering a mix of red and black fruits, spice, and a subtle earthiness. More red-fruited than the Artemia, it has a beautifully polished, elegant profile with silky tannins and impeccable balance. It is a refined, seamless Ventoux that will drink well for a decade or more.

James Suckling

A round, creamy and fruit-centered Ventoux with aromas of raspberries, cherries, grilled herbs and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s well-rounded and caressing on the palate with a kick of spice at the center bringing so much vitality. Focused and textural. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Vegan. Drink or hold.