Comprised of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and a splash of Mourvedre, aged 6 months in foudre, the 2011 Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher is a classic, soft and fruit Vacqueyras that dishes out copious notions of sweet red fruits, licorice, garrigue and saddle leather on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, nicely textured and certainly delicious, it should be enjoyed over the coming handful of years. This large estate produces a bevy of rich, fruit-forward efforts that remain more than reasonably priced. Looking at the 2011s, this is a solid vintage here and the wines make the most of the vintage, with upfront fruit and texture. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC; tel. (919) 781-1655