Tasting note

Composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, the 2010 Vacqueyras reveals an opaque, almost black color along with notes of smoke-infused black cherry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with notions of forest floor and lavender. Intense and full-bodied with terrific texture, purity and length, it should drink well for 8-10 years. Score - 91-93. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)

A blend of 70 percent Grenache, 25 percent Syrah and 5 percent Mourvedre, the 2011 Vacqueyras offers up a complex, layered array of garrigue, flowers, violets, purple fruits and hints of balsamic in its medium-bodied, supple and polished personality. Wine Advocate 90 points.