A step up over the Garrigues release and notably more youthful and fresh, the 2006 Vacqueyras Le Clos comes from a single parcel of vines; it is made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, and was completely destemmed and aged all in concrete tank--as are all of the wines from this estate. Medium to full-bodied, fresh and lively, with lots of darker fruits, peppery herbs, scorched earth and some minerality, it has solid mid-palate depth, good acidity and a great texture, all of which make it a joy to drink today. I don’t see any upside, but it will hold for another 4-5 years.

Inviting, with nice open aromas and flavors of grilled mesquite, beef, tar and macerated black cherry fruit, backed by racy acidity. A tarry edge frames the finish, which shows both muscle and finesse. Drink now through 2011. 2,500 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Vacqueyras Select to Add