I got very excited when I received an email from Phil Bernstein, General Manager, announcing a tasting with Caroline Mazard and the wines of Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Côtes du Rhône, France.

Phil Bernstein: "We are sure you know these wines as we've been direct importing them for many years and they remain the best-selling, most requested reds in the shop. For those of you that don't-Pasquiers is a family run domaine in the beautiful hamlet of Sablet (near Gigondas) in the Southern Rhone."

The 2022 Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours by Annette Schiller spent a most interesting and entertaining morning there with owner Philippe Lambert. See: Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France https://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2022/12/visit-and-tasting-at-domaine-des.html

Domaine des Pasquiers in Washington DC at MacArthur Beverages

Phil Bernstein: We are very excited that our great friend Caroline Mazard of Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet is finally returning for a visit this Saturday! Caroline used to come every year and it was always a banner event. Sadly, the pandemic messed everything up but we are thrilled that she is coming back to pour some wines. We are sure you know these wines as we've been direct importing them for many years and they remain the best-selling, most requested reds in the shop. For those of you that don't-Pasquiers is a family run domaine in the beautiful hamlet of Sablet (near Gigondas) in the Southern Rhone.

Many years ago, our GM Phil "discovered" these wines at a Rhone wine fair in Avignon and the rest is history. Phil has visited the domaine a few times and we are always amazed at what the Lambert brothers (and now son) create from this exceptional terroir. These are honest, authentic wines with no "makeup" and really express the South of France in a glass. We've just received a fresh shipment of these wines so stock up as they are nothing short of ridiculous bargains! 

Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Côtes du Rhône, France

The visit of Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet was part of the Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France and consisted of a cellar tour and a tasting. 

See: Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert was our host. We tasted 11 wines.

See: Visit and Tasting at Domaine des Pasquiers in Sablet, Southern Rhône, with Owner/ Winemaker Philippe Lambert in Sablet, Southern Rhône - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France https://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2022/12/visit-and-tasting-at-domaine-des.html

Founded in 1935 by the grandfather and great-grandfather of the current owners, this estate is situated in Vaucluse in the tiny, beautiful village of Sablet. 

Today the domaine is expertly run by brothers Jean Claude and Philippe Lambert and Philippe’s son Matthieu, the third and fourth generation. With 220 acres of prime vineyards in appellations such as Gigondas, Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Village, Plan de Dieu, Côtes du Rhône, IGP, and Vin de Pays they are in the possession of some of the region's best plots. 

Everything starts in the vineyard, that’s why the brothers started to switch to organic farming in 2010. Since 2013 the vineyards are certified AB (agriculture biologique). 

I quote Aaron Nix-Gomez of hogsheadwine blog: “The brothers aim for a gentle touch through partial destemming followed by a short period in vat. This goal clearly comes through for the nose is aromatic and the palate is fresh. This freshness does not forsake the favorite characteristics I enjoy from the Rhone, the ability to age. In fact, I recommend that you cellar these selections for one year before trying them. However, if you are curious and who would not be at these prices, then double-decant them several hours ahead of time. You will find their distinct profile deserves a place in your cellar”. 

Arriving

Cellar Tour

Tasting

Bye-bye

2020 Domaine des Pasquiers - VdP de Vaucluse

Incredible value alert! House red alert!! This blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Marselan, 20% Syrah hails from our favorite Southern Rhone producer. We have been direct importing these wines for almost 10 years and they never fail to disappoint. Try a bottle of this-you'll be amazed

2022 Domaine des Pasquiers - Cotes du Rhone

A long time Bassin's direct import this wonderful Domaine based in the beautiful town of Sablet makes authentic, terroir driven wines that sell for a song. There may be no better "all purpose" red on the planet! 

2021 Domaine des Pasquiers - Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu

From some great terroir right near Gigondas, it's fun to "argue" every year which wine we prefer between this and the Sablet! May as well get both….

2021 Domaine des Pasquiers - Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet

The flagship wine of the Domaine, this Sablet will out-drink many a Gigondas at more than half the price!

2019 Domaine des Pasquiers - Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet Cuvee Prestige

This selection of the best tanks of Sablet is produced only in select vintages. Very terroir-driven, structured and earthy. The kind of wine that could only come from the Southern Rhone!

2021 Domaine des Pasquiers – Gigondas

"Based on equal parts Grenache and Syrah brought up in tank, the 2021 Gigondas has an old school vibe in its red fruits, Christmas spice, flower, and white pepper-driven aromatics. Medium-bodied, pure, and silky on the palate, it should drink nicely right out of the gate."
90-92 Points Jeb Dunnuck 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours