The impressively built 2007 Vacqueyras Cuvee de l’Hostellerie (75% Grenache and 25% Syrah) is slightly less exuberant than its sibling, but it possesses admirable purity, a deep ruby/plum/purple color, and notes of bouquet garni, licorice, pepper, and black fruits. Some tannin in the finish suggests it will need a year or two of cellaring after it’s bottled. It should keep for 6-8 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