Domaine Les Aphillanthes 'Trois Cepages' Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages-Saint-Cecile, Rhône Valley, France 2020

The 4th generation at the domaine, grower and winemaker Daniel Boulle's terroir-driven southern Rhône wines are models of attention and balance - perfect fruit to optimally minute yields.

• Winemaker: Daniel Boulle, 4th generation grower and winemaker at Domaine Les Aphillanthes.
• Farming: Biodynamic (certified by Biodivin since 2007) and organic (certified by ECOCERT since 2007). Meticulously tended vines that can grow roots up to 30 meters deep.
• Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (Trois Cepages).
• Terroir: Estate’s 10 hectares in Travaillan, northwest of Gigondas. Exceptional parcels, including one in Rasteau planted in 1921. Soil consists of cailloux/galets roulets over clay-limestone.
• Vinification: Fermentation in concrete vats with minimal intervention. The wine is moved by gravity only, no filtration.
• Aging: In concrete vats.
• Tasting Note: Known for its distinctive terroir expression and balanced fruit. Deemed by Robert Parker as possibly the richest Côtes du Rhône he has tasted.
• Scores: Praised by Robert Parker as "one of the finest estates in the southern Rhône.

From Our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes:

Domaine Les Aphillanthes is found in the small commune of
Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes in the southern Rhône Valley. Winemaker
Daniel Boulle knows how great his terroir is, and through certified
organic and biodynamic practices, he’s intent on preserving the
integrity of the land. He named his estate “Les Aphillanthes”,
referring to a wildflower native to the region, a simple nod to the
connection between vineyard and environment.

Côtes du Rhône-Villages wines represent a step up in quality
from the broader Côtes du Rhône designation, with stricter regulations
around vineyard location, yield, and alcohol content. Within this
classification, some villages, such as Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, may
append their name to the label, further emphasizing their unique
terroir, such as Sainte-Cécile’s Mediterranean climate and sandy soils,
which are perfect for these vines.

Trois Cépages translates to “Three Varietals,” a hint to the
equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre in this classic CDR blend.
Each contributes something essential to this wine: Grenache brings
ripe red fruits and warmth, Syrah offers structure and spice, and
Mourvèdre adds earthiness and depth. Together, they create a wine
that is undoubtedly Rhône.

Fermented and aged entirely in concrete tanks, the wine
retains freshness beneath its dark fruits and earthy undertones. The
wine is supple and approachable, with notes of blackberry, plum,
subtle herbs and savory spice, with dusty, tea-like tannins. This wine is
a natural pairing for dishes like cassoulet, anything braised, or
alongside aged cheeses like Comté or Gouda. —Cara Patricia,
DECANTnapa