The less expensive Vacqueyras, the 2009 Les Garrigues, is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah aged in a combination of oak and concrete tanks. It is a deep ruby/plum-colored, richly fruity effort meant for early consumption. Lots of jammy cherry, roasted herb, loamy soil, pepper and spice aromas soar from the glass of this round, generously endowed, lusty Vacqueyras. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.
Christine and Eric Saurel run this biodynamically farmed estate with great passion. It is one of the up-and-coming stars of both Gigondas and Vacqueyras. All four of these Gigondas cuvees are superb.
Importers: Vintage ‘59, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9215; Ruby Wines, Avon, MA; tel. (508) 588-7007; and Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620