Those seeking the flamboyance of the southern Rhone need look no further than the 2009 Vacqueyras, made from ripe Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Offering abundant notes of black fruits intermixed with hints of flowers, camphor, forest floor and underbrush, it is a full-bodied, rich, chewy red to enjoy over the next 10 years. (Not yet released) This is an up and coming, small, high quality negociant operation run by oenologist, Xavier Vignon and two partners. As I mentioned last year, they have some important clients – Raymond Usseglio, La Gardine, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, La Nerthe, Mont Redon, Marcoux and Grand Veneur, to name some of the more prominent. Tasting through this portfolio in September confirmed the efforts they are making to turn out high quality wines at reasonable prices. Importer: AOC Fine Wines, www.aocfinewines.com