I loved the 2006 Vacqueyras Cuvee Signature from Domaine des Amouries, and this classic beauty has lots of garrigue, olive and gamey nuances to go with a core of ripe Grenache fruit. Medium-bodied, seamless and elegant, with fine tannin, I’d happily drink this outstanding 2006 anytime over the coming 3-4 years.

The 2006 Vacqueyras Cuvee Signature is soft, ripe, evolved, seductive, complex, and on a fast evolutionary track. Kirsch, loamy soil, and roasted herb characteristics result in a classically Provencal wines. Medium-bodied and juicy, it is best consumed over the next 4-5 years. Proprietor Jocelyn Chudzikiewicz’s Domaine des Amouriers has always been one of my reference points for high quality Vacqueyras. From their 25 acres in this appellation, they generally make three cuvees, two from Vacqueyras and a Vin de Pays from 100% Syrah. While the Signature is generally a blend of 68% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Les Genestes is usually 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. These wines are aged completely in cement tanks before bottling.Importers: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083; and J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 393-4441