2007 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras

The Bernard family, who also owns the endearing hilltop restaurant called Les Florets that overlooks Gigondas, has turned out a classic Provence -styled effort, their 2007 Vacqueyras. A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, it reveals notes of smoked herbs, roasted meats, red and black fruits, medium to full body, a supple mouthfeel, silky tannins, and beautiful ripeness, purity, and length. This is a hedonistic, complex wine to drink over the next 5-6 years. I tend to prefer the earlier-bottled wines from this important estate, which has 150 acres in Vacqueyras (one of the appellation’s largest). Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565