VIN CHICAGO EXCLUSIVE: A Pair of Rockin' Rhône Reds from Domaine Julien Masquin!

Today's exciting offer checks all the boxes of what Vin Chicago is about - great wine, passion and value. The wines from Julien Masquin have blown us away before, and he’s done it again!

Nearly three years ago, we took great pleasure in introducing you to the wines from Julien’s small, way-under-the-radar estate in France’s southern Rhône Valley. Due to their charmingly authentic flavors and absurdly overdelivering value, every bottle of these Vin Chicago exclusives was snapped up fast.

Today we shine the spotlight back on to this dynamic producer, leading off with the debut bottling of Julien’s “Les Garrigues” Côtes-du-Rhône. With its striking depth and complexity, and its direct-from-France price of $17.99, it totally astounded us and we think you’re going to love it too!

Next up, is the 2022 release of Julien’s signature wine, the “Memora” Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Earning 94+ Points from Wine Advocate, and selling for forty bucks a bottle, this is a knockout Châteauneuf-du-Pape and our exclusive allocation of this limited production bottling will be gone in a flash.

Scroll down for the juicy details, then jump right on the Big Yellow Button to get ahold of those very beautiful artisan wines!

2022 Domaine Julien Masquin "Les Garrigues"
Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley, France
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In 1936, Julien’s grandfather began acquiring vineyards in the Courthézon sub-zone of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. For over six decades, he sold the fruit to his neighbors. It wasn’t until Julien took over in 1998 that the family began making wine under their own name. Rarely imported to the United States, we were introduced to the wines by a broker that is passionate about small, quality-minded producers. Through this relationship, we have acquired today's parcel of their wine, brought to the US specifically for Vin Chicago readers.

This 2022 bottling marks the first vintage of Julien’s “Les Garrigues” Côtes du Rhône, and it is striking! Composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, the hand-harvested and fully de-stemmed grapes are vinified in stainless steel to preserve their freshness and aromatics, and what aromas they are!

Leading off on the nose, the Grenache pushes through with a burst of tart red mixed berries. An additional swirl welcomes in the Syrah, with its earthy depth and notes of the wine’s namesake “garrigue.” The grippy mouthfeel shows off the wine’s tannins which are lean and plush, all leading to a lengthy and mouthwatering finish.

Earning a very enthusiastic 90+ Points on our scale, you'll enjoy this authentic and nuanced Côtes-du-Rhône with hearty winter stews like beef Bourguignon or cassoulet. Also, being we are in Chicago, no harm in pairing this robust red with your favorite Italian beef or deep dish pizza. The bottom line is that this Vin Chicago exclusive is irresistible now and can be enjoyed with pleasure over the next several years.

Thanks to our direct relationship with the winery, the value here is HUGE!

Vin Chicago Price: 17.99

2022 Domaine Julien Masquin "Memora"
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France
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We last offered the 2019 version of Julien Masquin’s “Memora” Châteauneuf-du-Pape and it sold out in a matter of hours. This 2022 botting is an outstanding achievement that is already drinking great and will continue to evolve over next decade and beyond.

The grapes for this cuvée originate from parcels in Pignan (à la Château Rayas fame) and Cassanets. The interplay of complex fruit and round tannins make for a wonderfully integrated, completely pleasurable drinking experience. Earning 94+ Points from Wine Advocate, this is the most highly rated bottling since Robert Parker himself began reviewing the estate 15 years ago!

"This year, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Memora has emerged as a standout in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Derived from a mix of galets roulés and safre soil types across several parcels, this wine comprises 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. It was partially destemmed and aged for 12 months, with 10% in large barrels and 90% in concrete tanks. Evoking aromas of dark cherries, flowers, roses, violets and dark cherries, it's ample and suave, sappy and enrobing with a charming, velvety mid-palate, good depth at the core and a long, delicate and ethereal finish. Drink Date: 2024 - 2044.”
         - 94+ Points, Wine Advocate (9/26/2024)

Production is just a few hundred cases and we are thrilled to have been able to pry a dozen of them from the winery. As of now, we look to be the only ones on the planet to have it! At forty bucks, this gem from the southern Rhône's most prestigious appellation will sell fast!

Vin Chicago Price: 39.99