Domaine de Trevallon IGP Alpilles Rouge 2013

91 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2013 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Alpilles is rock solid in the vintage. Fresh, lively notes of dark fruits, peppery herbs, sous bois, and hints of cedar all flow to a medium-bodied, silky, moderately concentrated, yet balanced and lengthy beauty. It doesn’t have the density or weight of a top vintage, yet shines for its purity and elegance. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. (JD)   (7/2018)

This cult red from Trevallon is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah that is aged predominantly in foudre for 24 months. Vigneron Eloi Durrbach made his first wine at Trevallon in 1976 and gained favor with oenophiles all across France and beyond. However, in 1985, an appellation was created around him and his vineyards, and in 1991 the Les Baux de Provence appellation passed a regulation stating that wines from the area could not contain over 20% Cabernet Sauvigon. Rather than change his vision and his cuvees, Durrbach chose to have his wines classified as IGP, which only served to bolster the image of the man and his domaine.