Better than I had predicted last year is the brilliant 2010 Vacqueyras Les Aubes (also 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah). It is a big, masculine, full-throttle, flamboyant red displaying plenty of ripe black currant and black cherry fruit interwoven with Provencal herb, pepper and licorice notes. This impressive, rich, pure, lusty 2010 should drink well for a decade. Several years ago Yves Gras purchased some hectares from Paul Jeune (the proprietor of Mont Pertuis) in the renowned La Crau sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, and his first two efforts are noteworthy. Under the negociant label called Santa Duc Selections, Gras produces some delicious white wines that merit attention from consumers. They are generally blends of Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Viognier. Yves Gras is also the winemaker for Patricia Wells, who has a home and cooking school in Vaison La Romaine, a few miles north of Gigondas. Her estate is called Clos Chanteduc. The Domaine Santa Duc produces a Cotes du Rhone called Les Quatres Terres, which is a 4,000-case blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Counoise and Mourvedre. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275