The 2006s are all very good to excellent, but are reflective of a very good rather than great vintage. The 2006 Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher is a peppery, herbaceous, richly fruity effort displaying plenty of kirsch, loamy soil, resiny, spicy, peppery characteristics as well as excellent Provencal typicity. It do not possess the extravagant depth of fruit, opulence, or richness found in the 2007s, but is much more “typical” or “classic” than the more over-the-top 2007s. This large, exclusively Vacqueyras domaine has 100 acres spread throughout the appellation. Perhaps they produce too many cuvees, but there is unquestionably a lot of good wine to be found from Maison Arnoux et Fils. The wines differ slightly in both blends and upbringings, with the most traditional cuvees, such as Vieux Clocher, Arnoux et Fils, Jean-Marie Arnoux, and Chapelle St.-Arnoux, undergoing typical upbringings of only tank or ancient foudres (no new oak). The Seigneur de Lauris is aged in a combination of foudres and small barrels. The 1717 sees 100% new oak barrels, and the Vieilles Vignes is kept in both small and large oak barrels. Importers: Grape Expectations, California; and Wine Without Borders